Newborough residents are breathing a sigh of relief  as our very own Dr Laliwala of Ailsworth Medical Centre has stepped in to save GP services for Newborough and the surrounding area.

Newborough is the second rural practice saved by Dr Laliwala and he is fast gaining a reputation as the saviour of rural GP services. Back in 2002 Dr Laliwala rescued Ailsworth Medical Centre from closure and despite below average patient numbers has built a very high quality and vibrant practice with extremely high patient satisfaction.

Speaking about Newborough, Dr Laliwala said that he was opening a permanent branch surgery which would provide the same high quality services that Castor and Ailsworth have enjoyed for the last 6 years. During his time at Ailsworth he has revitalised the practice and has invested in extending the premises to provide an excellent health care facility. Whilst the surgery in Newborough may need to operate from a modular building during the short term Dr Laliwala confirmed his commitment to the village.

When asked if he had any plans to take over or rescue other rural practices Dr Laliwala said that we would have to wait and see, although he was not considering any further expansion at the moment. He did however confirm his commitment to rural services and said that if any communities were in dire need then he will be there to help them.

Dr Laliwala also took time to emphasise to Castor News just how much he values his hard working and dedicated staff and hinted that he would be using their skill and experience to get Newborough up and running.

Peterborough Primary Care Trust confirmed to Castor News earlier today that the interview process was extremely rigorous and not only did Dr Laliwala prove to the Primary Care Trust directors that he should be awarded the contract but that he also succeeded in an interview with patient representatives from Newborough.

New premises will be provided in Newborough as soon as planning consent has been obtained but in the meantime patients will be able to use the existing services in Ailsworth. Longer term both practices will be open in parallel and will share certain services, further securing the long term future of GP surgeries in both Ailsworth and Newborough.