CAMPAIGNERS leading the fight to stop the eviction of Dr Ian Conway from his Lyme Regis practice are still hoping for a solution after their survey revealed only 17 per cent of patients will stay if he leaves.

A High Court judge ruled that the Uplyme Road building is owned by Dr Andrew Llewelyn and Dr Lindsay Slater, and Dr Conway is now facing eviction for being an ‘illegal tenant’ at the Lyme Regis Medical Centre.

He must leave the practice by Friday but the results of the independent patient survey show more than three quarters will leave with him.

NHS Dorset is in talks with Dr Forbes Watson, from the <&bh"http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/search/?search=Lyme+Bay">Lyme Bay<&eh> Surgery at Kent House, for him to be given a temporary contract while longer term permanent cover is sought.

Patient Hazel Read, who is leading the campaign, said: “We hope there will be an eleventh- hour solution. All of the patients surveyed will stay if Dr Conway is not evicted but many will leave if Dr Forbes Watson is brought in as his replacement.”

“It is at times like these, when a family doctor is removed from his practice and replaced by another doctor chosen by the authorities without a public consultation, that you wonder if those responsible have forgotten they are public servants. But the figures speak for themselves.”

A petition of 1,018 signatures was sent to the NHS Dorset and West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin and a Facebook campaign page set up.

All medical centre patients received a letter from Paul Sly, chief executive of NHS Dorset last week to reassure them that there will be ‘minimal disruption’ to services. NHS Dorset said patients will be informed once any changes are confirmed.

Dr Conway has thanked staff and patients for the support and hopes the situation can be resolved before Friday’s eviction deadline.

He previously told the News: “I am extremely grateful for all the support I have received both from my team and from the community. I sincerely hope that a resolution to this whole issue can be found for the benefit of all concerned.”