Ashok Kumar today welcomed the news that the present pattern of GP service in Guisborough is set to stay.

 This follows decisions made on the pattern of GP services made by Redcar and Cleveland Primary Care Trust earlier this week, and which recommended no change to the present structure in Guisborough.

Ashok said ‘I welcome this sensible decision by the PCT and one which is entirely in line with the wishes of many in Guisborough who were concerned over what they say as a threat to the present doctor /patient relationship.”

“I have already suggested to the PCT that they should look at the possible better utilisation of Guisborough Hospital so as to provide some specialist services – such as a consultant appointment presence and possibly minor operations – and now that they have made their decisions on the GP structure I will be going back to them on my own suggestions’”

The news was also welcomed by local resident Bill Suthers who said "This is great news for Guisborough's community. I was as concerned as anybody with the rumours that the surgeries were going to be closed and I hope that this decision will kill those suggestions once and for all."