CONCERNED residents packed out a public meeting in an attempt to save their doctors surgery from possible closure.

Residents are calling on the NHS to protect Hemlington Medical Centre - which has almost 2,000 registered patients - maintaining it plays a vital community role and is one of the best in the region.

Representatives from NHS England attended the meeting of Hemlington Community Council to hear their concerns.

Middlesbrough councillors Jeanette Walker and Nicky Walker were on the panel who quizzed the health officials over the centre's future.

At the beginning of the meeting Cllr Walker handed over a document outlining the number of houses granted approval to be built in and around the estate over the next few years - highlighting the need for the area to retain its own surgery.

Ben Clark from NHS England reassured residents at the meeting, held at Hemlington Library, no decision had been made but accepted that closure is one of the options on the table.

Bob Campbell, who is registered at the surgery, raised concerns about other surgeries being able to take on its 2,000 patients if it closed.

He said many of those registered with Hemlington had done so following problems getting appointments at other surgeries.

“With almost 2,000 people in the surgery now and to send them back, it would be a state of despair for the people who are in this room. We can always get appointments and everyone believes the surgery is one of the best in the region.”

His sentiments were echoed by Hemlington resident Stanley Hutt, 71, who praised the surgery’s staff saying they were the best in the town. The pensioner said the care his ill wife had received was excellent.

NHS England is reviewing six surgeries with contracts due to expire including the Viewley Centre Road centre, Eston Grange Health Centre at Low Grange Health Village in South Bank, Langbaurgh Medical Centre in Redcar, Marske Medical Centre, Resolution Health Centre in North Ormesby, and Stockton Health Centre on High Newham Road.

Mr Clark said the consultation was due to end on September 29 before specialists collate all of the evidence and a decision on the future of the surgeries will be announced as quickly as possible.