PROPOSED CLOSURE OF ABERFORD SURGERY

Most residents will be aware by now of the proposal by Garforth Medical Practice to close Aberford surgery, indeed the Parish Council understands that a letter has been sent to all homes in the village explaining the position.
This very important issue will be tabled for discussion at the next Parish Council meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 21 September, commencing at 7.30pm in the Oriel Room at St Ricarius church. The purpose is to enable Councillors to give proper consideration to the reasons given for the proposal and discuss the best way to address and respond to the many issues and impacts the proposal will have.
Whilst members of the public are, as always, welcome to attend the meeting it is not a forum for public debate, although any members of the public present who wish to comment briefly on any of the agenda items will be given an opportunity to do so by the Chairman.
Whatever action is taken by the Parish Council, ultimately the Parish Council will only be classed as one voice. The letter circulated (or e-mail/text advice as appropriate) provides an opportunity for all recipients to access a structured survey (www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/aberford) during the public engagement period which runs from Monday 13 September to Friday 15 October. This can be done on line or on paper, copies of the survey are available from the surgery at Jessamine House, during normal opening hours. The Parish Council would like to encourage anyone who wishes to express their point of view to take part in the survey which provides a number of different ways that residents can submit their thoughts and opinions. We are strongly of the view that the more individual and varied responses received, the greater weight this will carry.
The Garforth Medical practice will also be holding an on line Zoom meeting to be held on Tuesday 5 October from 6-7 pm. Those who would like to attend and need joining instructions, along with those who are unable to attend the Zoom meeting but wish to leave feedback should contact the Garforth Medical Centre, either via email (garforthmedicalcentre@nhs.net) or by calling 0113 385 4535.
Please note that the Parish Council meetings continue to be held with Covid safety in mind, therefore any members of the public who wish to attend must advise the Parish Clerk (clerk@aberford-pc.gov.uk) of their intention to do so no later than the day before the meeting and must also take a lateral flow test and provide evidence of a negative result to the clerk.