FRESH doubts have been raised over the future of a South Lakes GP surgery - after confirmation a private provider's contract would not be renewed.

Notice has been given on the existing agreement, which is due to expire next year at Windermere and Bowness Medical Practice.

OneMedical Group, a Leeds-based private healthcare provider - with a £42m healthcare property portfolio, including 14 premises and 16 primary care centres - has notified the Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) of the decision not to renew the contract when it ends on March 31, 2021.

The Goodly Dale practice has faced questions over its future in recent years, and there are fears its closure would heap pressure on the remaining surgery in the town.

The surgery was praised by health bosses earlier this year when it was found to have improved its service in a recent inspection.

In 2019, the practice had been rated ‘poor’ after five out of nine surveyed patients told inspectors they were unhappy with the level of care at the GP surgery. However, it has since turned around its performance, according to the latest inspection.

A spokesperson from the CCG said: “We are working very closely with OneMedical Group and other services to ensure patients will have access to continued provision in the local area.

"In the meantime, Windermere and Bowness Medical Practice will remain fully open and patients can continue to access the surgery as normal.

“Patients registered with the practice will be contacted directly with further information over the coming weeks.”

South Lakes MP, Tim Farron, who in the past has campaigned for the practice’s survival, said: “This is deeply troubling news.

“Over the past year I’ve been meeting with and writing to local commissioners, health bosses and Goodly Dale surgery itself on behalf of local patients who have become increasingly concerned about the situation there.

“I will do everything I can to work with our local health commissioners to make sure that residents in Windermere don’t get left behind.”