Anger at doctor's mystery absence (From Stroud News and Journal)

Anger at doctor's mystery absence

ANGRY patients are demanding to know the truth behind a doctor's disappearance from a surgery in Nailsworth.

Dr Gillian Perry-Keene, whose name still heads the list of doctors in the Price Mill Surgery booklet, has been absent from the practice since March.

And on Monday a group of exasperated patients gathered outside the surgery to launch a petition in support of the missing doctor.

Petition co-ordinator Rachel Dunlop told the SNJ that the patients were fed up with being fobbed off with a different excuse every time they call the surgery.

"We have been told she is ill, that she's in India and this morning I was told that she had retired," said Miss Dunlop. "The doctors have refused to speak to me and the 20 patients that have contacted the health authority were told that it is 'an internal problem'.

The practice was started in Church Street over 30 years ago by Dr Perry-Keene and her husband Dr John Endacott before moving to its current location in Newmarket Road several years ago.

The recent retirement of Dr Margaret James coupled with Dr Perry-Keene's absence means that the surgery is short of two doctors.

A notice pinned on the reception wall apologises to patients saying that unplanned circumstances beyond the practice's control has meant that two of the partners have had to be a away from the practice for an extended period.

Dr Perry-Keene, who was at her home, yesterday read out a short statement to the SNJ that she had prepared for the Gloucestershire Health Authority.

"I am at present on leave from the practice and would like to take this opportunity to thank the patients who are actively demonstrating their support for me."

The three remaining partners at the practice are; Dr Boddam-Whetham, Dr Nigel Booker and Dr Michael Latter.

At Prices Mill Surgery on Monday, Dr Latter told the SNJ that as far as he understood Dr Perry-Keene had not left the practice. He refused to make any further comment on the situation.

Speaking to the SNJ on Tuesday a spokesman for Gloucestershire Health Authority said: "The priority is to ensure that services to patients continue to be provided. The patients should access services as they currently do."

By midday on Tuesday the number of signatures collected in support of Dr Perry-Keene had risen to almost 200.

Speaking outside the surgery on Monday, patient, Marilyn Teakle said: "I have not been well for two years and I feel I need to see her as she is my doctor.

"She's very caring and takes the time to listen to all your problems. I can see someone else but another doctor is not the same."

Sally Russell, 28, explained: "Dr Perry-Keene has been my family doctor since I was a baby and when I had my daughter a few years ago."

"We deserve an explanation of what has happened to her." Miss Dunlop said: "We are not going to go away - we just want to be told the truth."