OKEHAMPTON?S MP has expressed concern at the possible closure of the Okement GP practice ? but the primary care trust says it definitely will not cut back the level of services. Geoffrey Cox, MP for West Devon and Torridge, said he has been contacted by a number of people registered at the Okement Practice, after Devon Primary Care Trust began consultation with the surgery?s patients about the future of the practice and asked them to consider closure as an option. Mr Cox has written to the PCT about the increasing pressure on Okehampton?s services as its population grows and the urgent need to ensure the town and the surrounding villages are properly supported by adequate health services. He said: ?It seems strange to suggest that the remaining GPs in the town could cater for these 1,200 or so patients, when the Okement Practice was set up because the existing GPs were already overstretched. I have written to the chief executive of Devon PCT raising the concerns about the need for an adequate GP service in the town.? But a spokesperson for Devon PCT said that although they were looking at possible changes, the overall level of services would not decrease. Okement is one of only two practices in Devon still run by the PCT. More than 100 GP practices in Devon are run by GPs themselves, not by the trust. A number of local GP practices have indicated they would be interested in running the service for Okement patients, and it is this possibility that is being considered. PCTs now prefer to allow GPs to run practices as this allows them to provide incentives to encourage improved service. Kevin Hale, assistant director of primary care, said: ?The trust is asking the patients of Okement Medical Practice what sort of service they wish to see provided in Okehampton. There is increasing pressure on Okehampton?s services as its population grows, and a need to ensure the town and surrounding villages are properly supported by adequate health services.? Mr Hale added: ?At heart, we have the same objectives as Mr Cox ? to see a highly valued, sustainable service is ensured for the people of Okehampton. We want to get it right ? not just for now but for the longer term.?