Agenda item

A report was presented to the Panel relating to the merger of the GP practices at Bentley, High Street, Bentley with the Nelson Practice which has it main site on Amersall Road Scawthorpe and a branch site at Newton Medical Centre Sprotborough.  It was outlined that the proposal also included plans to close the Scawthorpe site and consolidate on the Bentley and Sprotbrough sites.

The Panel was provided with information relating to the benefits of the merger for patients, including access to a wider range of practitioner services, improved telephone access and a streamlined back office function.

Doncaster Healthwatch confirmed that Doncaster CCG had consulted with the organisation relating to public engagement, and it was confirmed it was happy with the approach undertaken, outlining that he process had been open, honest and transparent.

The following areas were addressed by the Panel:

Patient numbers – it was noted that there were approximately five thousand patients that would be split equally across the two practices at Bentley and Sprotbrough.  The surgeries would share the same practice manager.

Consultation - the Panel expressed concern that, the majority of consultation had been undertaken online with very limited face to face discussions.  It was acknowledged that there had been paper based information in the surgeries but bearing in mind the current Covid-19 pandemic people had been advised not to attend unless absolutely necessary.  Therefore it was stressed that some people may not have been aware of the proposals or able to take part in the consultation. 

It was apparent from the consultation that patients were very loyal to their GP’s and had indicated that they would travel to either Sprotbrough or Bentley in the future.

Merger timing – the GP merger was proposed to start in April, 2021 with the patient list merging into one.  The closure of the Amersall Road site would not take place until 2023 to undertake upward expansion at the Petersgate site, therefore the lease had been extended.  Works required at the Sprotbrough site would be completed in an earlier timeframe.  The merger would provide patient access to all doctors and services across the board.  It was noted that there would be more scope to engage with patients about the closure of the Amersall Road site.

GP operational practices – it was acknowledged that surgeries were working differently due to the Covid-19 pandemic with more remote video and telephone consultations, which would continue for the immediate future and maybe beyond.  It was also appreciated that some of the older population required face to face meetings but this was not always with a GP and could be a practice nurse.

Impact following previous GP mergers – it was noted that the exact patient figures affected by previous GP mergers in this area were not to hand for this meeting.  However, there had been minimal impact following patients re-registering with other GP’s as they tended to be loyal to their current GP.

Positive Impact of the GP merger – it was outlined that an equality impact assessment must be provided for the Primary Care Commissioning Committee that gives approvals for the Merger and practice site closures and it addressed the wider position relating to the merger.  It highlighted the sustainability of future practice services accessible to patients, including support for religion, ethnicity and gender with access to more female doctors.  It would also provide an increased training programme for the practice to develop a strong core.

With regard to GP profit it was stated that the proposals were patient driven ensuring that they were provided with improved facilities including car parking, buildings, being able to train staff on site and expand the local workforce.  Both practices were very well thought of and the Bentley practice had a CQC (Care Quality Commission) outstanding review with good for outstanding and caring. 

Journey time – following concern expressed with regard to the length of time it could take some patients to access the surgeries, including two bus journies at Sprotbrough and Bentley it was accepted that this would have an impact on some patients.  However is was stressed that the dial a ride service was available, taking 19 minutes.  It was also outlined that there had been no concern expressed in the consultation about mode of transport to visit a GP surgery and everyone had a choice to transfer to another practice if they wished.  It was noted that some patients in the Scawthorpe area were already travelling to the Sprotbrough surgery.

Future siting of local GP’s – It discussed that GP surgeries were still family orientated however practices tend to be merging and moving toward a central hub, one stop shop approach.

The Chair of the meeting concluded that consultation had been adequate in relation to the time allowed and the Panel had been given the opportunity to highlighted their comments and concerns relating to the proposed impact on residents in the Scawthorpe areas. 

RESOLVED that:-

1.         The Panel was satisfied that:

a)         the proposal is in the interests of people in the area;

b)         consultation on the proposal had been adequate in relation to the content in time allowed, but greater consideration be given to informing residents by means of a letter.

          Reason:  Some people do not have access to on line facilities and additionally were prevented from visiting surgeries under the current Covid pandemic.  Therefore a letter could have been circulated to the most vulnerable, if not all patients.  Additionally, the Panel would also have preferred the leaflet to have been distributed more widely to patients.

2.         The Panel receive an update on the position in 6 to 12 months, in relation to the Petersgate Partnership.

          Reason:  The Panel has been asked to consider the removal of healthcare services in the Scawthorpe area twice within the last 3 years and wish to hear what impact it may have had on future and existing patients.