VILLAGERS in Addingham could face the loss of their only doctor's surgery as a result of national changes.

The Government is hoping to phase out single-practitioner surgeries by 2004.

Dr Eugene Raubitschek - who has run his Main Street-based surgery as a sole GP for the last 24 years - says the proposals could have grave implications for health provision in the village.

He said: "If it stays as a single-handed practice it may be amalgamated with one of the bigger practices in Ilkley, Silsden or Skipton. Or it could be run by the trust itself, putting some salaried doctors in.

"So, unless it becomes a two or three partnership, there is a threat of closure at that time."

Dr Raubitschek believes the Government fears single practitioners may become insular and out of touch with medical advancements - particularly in the wake of the serial killer GP Harold Shipman.

He said: "The idea behind it is that single-handed practitioners are isolated from knowledge. I am a trainer and examiner and sit on committees. I also do two sessions in hospitals. Therefore, my contact with doctors is continuous."

The GP is also concerned that the personal touch inherent in the role of the traditional family doctor will be lost.

He said: "Village life is different from cities. Single-handed practices are quite amenable to village life, where we know everybody and there is total continuity.

"That is the main benefit of being a single-handed practitioner. That is the feedback we get. It would be of great benefit to stay as we are.

"I am not really doing it at the moment for my future because I am 60. Anytime I will be retiring. It is for the future of the area and the village."

Dr Raubitschek is asking his patients to sign a petition against the changes, which is being co-ordinated by the Small Practice Association. If the axe fell on the surgery patients could face quite a trek to see a doctor when they were ill. Coun Alan Jerome, chairman of Addingham Parish Council, said: "If it closed it would be disastrous. For a village with probably more old people per head of population than most other villages it is an essential need. If we do not have a doctor's surgery what are people going to do?"

Coun Jerome said it was unacceptable that villagers might have to travel to Ilkley to be attended to by a doctor - especially with the levels of public transport.

He added: "I do not see why Dr Raubitschek should have to employ another doctor. He is providing a super service for the village."

Don Barratt, of Ilkley Civic Society, said: "We would much rather have a local surgery for the convenience and personal service that Dr Raubitschek has given.

"There is a petition down at the surgery, which we have been urging people to sign. We would be disappointed if it went away."