Residents of Lynton and Lynmouth in North Devon are amidst a social media surge to safeguard their local healthcare with an urgent search for a new general practitioner (GP) to maintain local access to healthcare services. The current healthcare provider is set to cease operations at the end of April, which could lead to a reduced service or a complete closure of the local surgery.

The health centre, which includes a minor injury unit and caters to around 2,500 patients, requires a lead GP to keep its doors open. Despite efforts to recruit, the challenge of attracting clinical staff to rural areas remains significant.

Last year, a similar situation in Cornwall was resolved through a successful social media campaign, highlighting the potential of community-led initiatives.

The local patient participation group has received approval to conduct their own search for a GP, emphasising the critical need for medical services in their area and the potential impact of traveling long distances for healthcare on residents, especially the elderly.

There's a call to action for any GP who desires a change of pace and life in a picturesque rural setting, stressing the importance of having accessible healthcare services in remote areas. Local health authorities are exploring various avenues to ensure that the residents continue to receive the necessary GP services, highlighting the importance of sustaining quality healthcare in rural communities.

In Winning the Rural Vote, the RSN campaign which sets out our asks of the political parties ahead of the general election, the challenges of recruiting and retaining a healthcare workforce in rural areas is recognised.

The RSN is calling for political parties to deliver a specific Rural Workforce strategy to aid training and recruitment across all health and care services including dentistry in the first 18 months in office to help support rural communities.

You can read more at this link: www.rsnonline.org.uk/winning-the-rural-vote