Golders Green surgery saved after controversial relocation plans dropped

A surgery in Golders Green has been saved after controversial plans to relocate three miles away to Finchley Memorial Hospital were dropped.

The proposal, approved in August, would have seen Ravenscroft Medical Centre shut down and move to Finchley Memorial Hospital in January 2020.

But plans were scrapped last week after Millway Medical Practice, one of the parties involved in the plans, withdrew its application on 21 October.

Dr Barry Subel, of Ravenscroft Medical Centre said he was “extremely disappointed” by the outcome and “was looking forward to the opportunity to develop new and innovative services for my patients.”

Dr Subel added that “patients are my first priority” and that he will remain committed to providing “excellent clinical care for my patients.”

This comes after criticism from elderly residents of Jewish Care’s independent living block Selig Court in Beverley Gardens. An 87-year-old tenant and Holocaust survivor, who did not wish to be named, described the possible move to Jewish News in August as “a most unwelcome disturbance to my life.”

One of the leading voices against the move Dr Brian Golden said on Monday he was “delighted” the move will not go ahead and praised fellow campaigners’ resolve.

“They were amazing,” he added. “They were very determined and very articulate. It was thanks to their huge efforts that we were successful.”

“One of the [Selig Court] residents was one of the leading campaigners,” he added, paying tribute to the “remarkable lady who never gave up,” but declined to identify her over privacy concerns.

Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer, who also opposed the relocation, raised the issue with Health Secretary Matt Hancock and other ministers. “The campaign against the move has been a terrific example of where local residents coming together can make a real difference. I was delighted to support my constituents in this campaign,” he said.