PATIENTS at the Regent’s Park Medical Centre are taking sides in a bitter dispute between the three doctors that has seen their NHS contracts terminated.
Yesterday (Wednesday) the New Journal was handed a petition running to nearly 500 names in support of Dr Harbikramjit Chandok and Dr Christine Pickard, who evicted their partner Dr Marian Latchman from the surgery on January 7 following a series of rows.
These patients are pitting themselves against the 68 families who signed an earlier petition in support of Dr Latchman, who is currently working as a locum in West Sussex.
Some patients will inevitably be disappointed: with a reunion unlikely between the squabbling doctors, the Camden Primary Care Trust will have to decide between the two parties when the contract for the running of the medical centre in Cumberland Market comes up for grabs in September.
Stephen Conroy, Camden’s Director of Primary Care, wrote to the doctors last month to tell them that their contracts were being terminated as a result of the dispute.
If neither parties submit a winning bid to the Trust, the contract will be put out to tender.
Dr Latchman went to the High Court in February seeking an injunction allowing her back into her surgery. That hearing was adjourned until later this month, until which time Dr Chandok and Dr Pickard will allow her in only to sort out ending the partnership.
Speaking about the petition, Dr Chandok said: “We’re very appreciative of the efforts of our patients and we are thankful. It goes to show that they value the service that we are providing for them.”
A Camden Primary Care Trust spokeswoman said that they had not received any petitions so far. She added: “The PCT is pleased to hear that patients are involved in ensuring they have a continued GP service.”
A letter will shortly be sent out to all patients registered at the medical centre explaining the bidding process.