AN outspoken doctor who announced he was resigning from his practice has now decided to stay.
Dr John Hopkins, a GP at Parkgate health centre, in Darlington, has withdrawn his resignation and will continue to treat his patients, but under a new contract.
The doctor was due to leave at the end of this month to take up a role under the Personal Medical Service pilot.
Dr Hopkins has decided to stay with the practice but still work under the new medical scheme.
The pilot, devised by the Department of Health, means that he will work under a flexible contract and will be funded on the basis of health improvements rather than the number of patients he sees.
Dr Hopkins, who had previously criticised the condition of the Parkgate premises, said: "I am hoping to work through the new Personal Medical Services scheme and continue to improve care for my patients."
Fellow GP at the practice, Dr Elaine Moore resigned from the centre at the end of November.
She is now practising from Carmel Road surgery.
County Durham and Darlington Health Authority has sent letters to Dr Hopkins' patients apologising for the confusion and advising them that he will be staying at the practice.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article