BEDFORSHIRE Heartlands Primary Care Trust has been warned it could face a rebellion from angry patients at a Sandy surgery if they do not get their preferred doctor. Almost 3,000 patients at the St Neots Road Surgery have signed a petition saying they wan

BEDFORSHIRE Heartlands Primary Care Trust has been warned it could face a rebellion from angry patients at a Sandy surgery if they do not get their preferred doctor.

Almost 3,000 patients at the St Neots Road Surgery have signed a petition saying they want to keep Dr Raypreet Bhati who has been in charge of the surgery since the death of Dr Kris Reddy in February.

Two months ago the Trust advertised nationwide for a new doctor after turning down four applications.

Many patients were angry Dr Bhati had not been given a chance to put her business plan forward. This week she heard she is one of four applicants who will be interviewed by the Trust on August 16 for the Sandy post.

"She is very happy and so are the patients," said surgery manager Gerald Wells.

"But if the patients don't get what they want there will be uproar. All hell will let loose.

"They want Dr Bhati to stay here as their doctor and if she doesn't get the job patients will continue their protest. They are determined to get what they want.

"Dr Bhati is very happy at being one of the four doctors who are being considered for the job here and we all hope she stays with us."

The successful candidate will be announced on September 28 when the Trust's executive committee will meet to announce its chosen candidate to take over the St Neots Road surgery.