Blood testing temporarily saved in Bishop’s Castle

Bishop's Castle Medical Practice said it could not afford to continue to provide blood tests

The blood-testing service at a Shropshire medical practice is to continue for a month beyond its planned closing date.

Bishop's Castle medical practice had announced it would no longer provide blood tests after Wednesday, blaming a lack of NHS funding.

Hundreds of people signed a petition in protest, saying their alternative would be a 40-minute drive to Shrewsbury.

Following negotiations with NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Bishop’s Castle Medical Practice said it would continue to provide the service temporarily through additional nurse clinics.

"We would like to reassure patients in Bishop’s Castle that we are exploring all options to try to find a long-term, local solution," said NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

In a post on Facebook, the practice said it was continuing because the situation was "stressful for patients" who would "struggle with travelling to Shrewsbury".

"We would like to thank everyone who has shown us such support and understanding over the last few weeks.

"We are very grateful to have such understanding and informed patients," it added.