Proposals to merge two GP surgeries in Redruth with 17,000 patients
A virtual public meeting is being held
A virtual public meeting is being held about the proposed merger of two GP surgeries in Redruth.
Manor Surgery and Clinton Road Surgery, which have around 17,000 registered patients combined, plan to merge later this summer.
They want to hear local views to help shape their future – including what new services would help meet people’s clinical needs.
Under plans, continuity of care will continue with patients seeing the same GPs and other frontline professionals they are familiar with, existing services will be retained, and new ones – including some traditionally delivered in hospitals – will be rolled out.
Bosses say the preferred premises solution is to maintain the Manor Surgery site and expand into adjacent accommodation at the Redruth Health Clinic. This would give patients access to local GP services from one central site, with car parking and good access to public transport. It would also provide the space needed to offer more care locally.
They added that the two GP practices have already been working closely together at these premises for the past year and the merger would 'formalise arrangements and allow for long-term planning to ensure sustainable high-quality care'.
Virtual public meeting
The virtual public meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th April, from 6-7pm.
Dr Andrew Craze and Dr Debbie Bugg – Senior Partners at Manor Surgery and Clinton Road Surgery respectively – will outline the proposed merger, its potential benefits and answer questions.
They will be joined by the Chairs of the Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) from both GP practices.
People can join the virtual public meeting here where they will be able to ask questions and share comments via a chat box.
They can also submit questions ahead of the event by writing to the Practice Manager at their GP practice as soon as possible.
“The proposed merger will provide accessible ‘family doctor’ services for the local community. Patients can be assured of friendly, inclusive and respectful high standards of clinical practice from a forward-thinking team. We are part of the local community and will work with our patients, local groups and other stakeholders to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Redruth.”
Dr Andrew Craze, Manor Surgery
“Under our merger plans, patients will still be able contact their preferred doctor from either surgery. There will also be a wider variety of GPs and other practitioners to choose from, all of whom have their own area of expertise.
“Our ultimate aim is to bring other services to the surgery, such as specialist nurses and mental health practitioners – and in time we may host consultants from hospitals.”
Dr Debbie Bugg, Clinton Road Surgery
Both GP practices are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission and have above average ratings in national GP patient surveys. They are, however, looking to enhance patient experience further, after listening to feedback, including launching improved telephone systems.
Engagement about the proposed merger has been taking place in recent months including with patients – with over 1,100 filling in an online survey – the two local PPGs, Healthwatch Cornwall, partners in the local health system, Redruth Town Council and the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.