HEALTH bosses are asking for the public’s views on proposals to close down two doctors’ surgeries and move services to the Halesowen Health Centre.

Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has started a six week consultation on Stourside Medical Practice’s plans, which will run until March 5.

A spokesman for the CCG, which will make the final decision on whether or not to approve the proposals, said: “The CCG are committed to ensuring patients and the public have the opportunity to share their views with us. A letter will be sent to all patients concerned and will include details of how people can get involved and give their views.”

Stourside Medical Practice, which runs Tenlands Road Surgery and Coombswood Surgery, has suggested moving the services under one roof at the Birmingham Street centre.

In a letter to patients, Dr Ruth Hearn said a “great deal of thought and consideration” had gone into the proposals and bringing the services together would ensure the practice is “safe and stable” from the risk of closure.

However, concerns regarding the plans have been raised by staff at the nearby Evergreen Pharmacy, as well as Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris, who said he is “not convinced” the move would benefit patients.

People can take part in the consultation is by emailing views to dudleyccg.contact@nhs.net, calling 01384 321730, or completing an online survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/StoursideConsultation.

The CCG has also arranged a number of public drop-in events in each practice where patients can come along, ask questions, share your opinions and find out more about the proposals.

At Coombwood Surgery, the meetings will take place on Tuesday, January 30, 10am until noon, and Wednesday, February 7, 1.30pm until 3.30pm.

While at Tenlands Road Surgery they will take place on Tuesday, February 6, 1.30pm until 3.30pm, and Thursday, February 8, 10am until noon.

Public meetings are also being held on Monday, February 5, 6.30pm until 8.30pm at Earls High School, in Furnace Lane, and on Wednesday, February 14, 10.30am until 12.30pm, at Halesowen Library.

A CCG spokesman added: “If you have already shared your views with the practice during their consultation, please be assured that these will be taken into consideration when making a decision.”

At the end of the consultation period, all of the feedback the organisation has received will be considered by the CCG Primary Care Commissioning Committee (PCCC) and a decision will be made.