Two GP practices in the centre of Lincoln could merge if proposed plans are given the green light
Two GP practices in the centre of Lincoln could merge if proposed plans are given the green light.
A 6-week engagement exercise on the plans has been launched today, Friday 3 December 2021 until 12 noon on Sunday 15 January 2022.
Newark Road Surgery and Portland Medical Practice are encouraging patients registered at the practices to share their views.
Newark Road has over 7,000 patients registered at the surgery, whereas Portland has nearly 22,000 patients registered across its three sites: Portland Street, Newland Health Centre, and the University of Lincoln Health Service.
Patients can do this via a questionnaire available online:
https://nhslincolnshire.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bkpkNB5Pay5bnFk
Please complete by 12 noon on Sunday 15 January 2022.
Hard copies are also available from each practice, and several planned events have been organised for patients to attend.
Dr Jane Marshall, GP Partner at Newark Road Surgery said by merging, patients could all benefit from the combined clinical skills and expertise offered across both practices.
Dr Marshall said, “By working together in this way, clinical staff will be able to develop skills in more specialist areas. For patients this means they could be seen by someone who specialises in areas such as palliative care, diabetes, sexual health, mental health, or minor surgery.
Dr Marshall added, “We also plan for improvements in telephone and remote access, aiming for improved accessibility and urgent care provision.”
Both GP practices would continue to operate from their existing premises during their current opening hours, however, patients may be asked to attend appointments at the other GP practice depending on their health needs.
For the proposals to go ahead, they will need to be approved by NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the NHS organisation responsible for planning, buying, and monitoring NHS services locally.
Sarah-Jane Mills, Chief Operating Officer for the CCG said GP Practices working together is part of our long-term vision to protect and enhance services for our patients now and in the future.
Ms Mills said, “We want to commission services that provide patients with access to high quality services, that are cost effective, and that are sustainable and resilient for years to come."
Ms Mills added, “We know that the recruitment and retention of clinical staff, particularly doctors, is a real challenge, however, plans such as this one could make it more attractive for clinicians to come and work in Lincolnshire.”
A series of events for patients to attend have been planned, where patients can hear more about the proposals, and ask questions or share their views. Patients wishing to attend will need to book in advance.
The times, dates and locations are as follows:
- Event 1: Monday, 13 December 2021, 9am -2pm CCG Stand at Lincoln University in the Minerva Building Atrium, Brayford Pool Campus, Brayford Pool, Brayford Wharf N, Lincoln LN6 7TS. No booking required.
- Event 2: Wednesday, 15 December 2021, 6-8pm at Ruston Sports & Social Club, Newark Rd, Lincoln LN6 8RN. To book online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/proposed-merger-event-6-8pm-at-ruston-sports-social-club-tickets-221514414577 or call 07890 047 409.
- Event 3: Thursday, 16 December 2021, 6-8pm at Bridge Central, Portland Street, Lincoln, LN5 7NN. To book online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/proposed-merger-event6-8pmbridge-central-portland-streetlincolnln5-7nn-tickets-221019403987 or call 07890 047 409.
- Event 4: Thursday, 13 January 2022, 6-8pm at at Ruston Sports & Social Club, Newark Rd, Lincoln LN6 8RN. To book online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/221894922687 or call 07890 047 409.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions are also available on the CCG website.
