A PUBLIC meeting discussing the latest updates on the future of North Tawton Medical Practice is to be held in the coming weeks.

The future of healthcare in the town has been under question since Wallingbrook Health Group announced it would be terminating its contract at the practice on March 31, saying the decision is due to insufficient funding from the NHS to run a safe and efficient practice.

Services at the surgery in Devonshire House will continue as they are up until March 31. After this date, NHS England will be legally responsible for ensuring continuity and provision of medical services to patients previously registered under the terminated contract.

NHS England has been in discussion with Bow Medical Practice, with a view to providing a service at North Tawton under a one-year contract.

Before taking any decision, Caroline Stead, contract manager for NHS England for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said that the NHS is keen to talk with patients, the wider public and councillors on their thoughts.

The meeting has been called to share the latest progress on negotiations by the North Tawton Engagement Group.

In the wake of the uncertainty over the medical practice's future, the practice's patients participation group combined with some members of North Tawton Town Council to form the engagement group. Its purpose is to take account of local opinion and pass it on to NHS England to ensure they hear the concerns of the community.

Bill Dean, chair of the North Tawton Engagement Group, said: 'The reason for the meeting is of course the future of North Tawton's surgery. Apart from the NHS we expect representatives from the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon CCG, West Devon Borough Council and Bow Surgery to attend.

'The primary purpose of the meeting is to allow Caroline Stead an opportunity to update the community on progress so far in securing the NHS GP contract, and for her to answer questions raised at our last public meeting in December.'

The meeting takes place on Thursday, January 15 at 7pm in North Tawton Town Hall.

Everyone is invited to find out the latest on the situation.