TWO popular North Oxford GP surgeries could close in a proposed NHS shake up.

Plans have been tabled to close Kendall Crescent Health Centre in Cutteslowe and the 150-year-old Wolvercote Surgery.

The two surgeries, which care for 1,700 patients, have been run by locum GPs since August when the doctor overseeing them was suspended pending an investigation into the care he provided.

Dr Mark Huckstep is still fully registered with the General Medical Council to practice, but remains suspended from the Medical Performers list in Oxfordshire.

NHS Oxfordshire, the primary care trust, refused to reveal why he was suspended.

Now the trust has put forward four options for the future of the two surgeries, two of which include closing them both.

Consultation started in April, but patients claim they have only just been sent letters by the PCT informing them of the proposed changes.

Carl Keeble, who runs the Post Box village shop, opposite Wolvercote Surgery in Godstow Road, began a petition with his wife Katie to save the surgery last year.

He said: “People are fed up of it to be honest. We are aware they may feel that keeping Wolvercote open is no longer a viable option. But they couldn’t get it together enough to let people know when the consultation starts.”

NHS Oxfordshire admitted there had been a problem informing residents, and said the deadline for the consultation would be extended by one month.

It will now close on July 10.

A spokesman added: “NHS Oxfordshire is asking patients for the views and comments on the future of the Kendall Crescent Health Centre, Cutteslowe, and its branch surgery in Wolvercote.

“Currently an interim arrangement is in place for Summertown Health Centre to provide GP services from the premises at Kendall Crescent and Wolvercote.

“This ends in November 2011.

“NHS Oxfordshire now has to decide what permanent arrangements will be put in place for patients registered at Kendall Crescent Health Centre, Cutteslowe, and its branch surgery in Wolvercote.”

Four available options are on the table for patients.

One would see the PCT recruiting a GP for existing patients at the two surgeries.

Another would see the Wolvercote surgery closed and a GP brought in to serve patients using only the Kendall Crescent Health Centre premises.

The last two options would see both surgeries closed and a GP either brought in to new premises, or the patients given a choice of a new surgery.

Mr Keeble said the village would be meeting later this week to discuss the proposals.

The PCT has arranged drop-in sessions for people to give their views, with the first due to take place tomorrow between 5pm and 6.30pm at Kendall Crescent surgery.

The second will be held next Thursday between 2.30pm and 4pm at the Wolvercote branch surgery.

Residents will have a further opportunity to give feedback at a community information fair on Monday between 3pm and 7pm at Cutteslowe Community Centre.

To get involved in the consultation, go to the consultation pages at NHS Oxfordshire at https://consult.oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk/consult.ti/kendallcrescent/consultation or email talking.health@oxfordshirepct. nhs.uk