Judicial review into GP takeover

The local primary care trust chose the preferred bidder in January

A High Court judge has ordered a judicial review be carried out into the takeover of a Derbyshire GP surgery.

Mr Justice Davis granted permission for a review into a decision to allow United Health Europe to let the Creswell Primary Care Centre.

North Eastern Derbyshire Primary Care Trust chose the firm as the preferred bidder for the surgery, from a short list of six, in January.

Local resident Pam Smith, is challenging the trust's decision.

White paper

Mrs Smith said people were not properly consulted on the move.

Her solicitor Richard Stein said he and his client were very pleased with the decision.

He said: "We now hope that the people of Creswell and Langwith will be able to get the kind of GP service that they want."

A recent government health white paper set out plans to open up primary care to the market by encouraging private companies to run GP surgeries.

'Good service'

Mrs Smith, who is a local parish councillor, said several other local candidates were overlooked by the trust when it considered who should run the surgery.

Richard Smith, chief executive of United Health Europe, which is part of the US-based United Health Group, said in an earlier interview that his firm would provide a good service.

"This is a good move for local people. We will be able to bring the practices up to the standard of the best in Britain," he said.

The case is expected to go to trial in May.