Frome Medical Practice has announced that it is considering a proposal to close their satellite surgery at 95 Locks Hill Frome. The main part of the practice is situated in the Frome Medical Centre building at the Health Park in Enos Way.
The Frome Medical Practice is one of the biggest GP practices in the south-west, with over 28,000 patients. The senior partner at the practice is Dr Helen Kingston.
“The lease of the premises at Locks Hill is about to come to an end and this has made us focus our attention on the future of the branch surgery,” says Dr Kingston. “However, I would stress that at this point this is just a proposal. Any closure cannot be sanctioned without NHS England approval, together with consultations with the various important groups, including our Patients Participation Group, the Clinical Commissioning Group, local GP practices as well as directly with our own patients.
“Patients should however be aware that NHS resources are severely stretched. Nevertheless, we remain utterly committed to making every effort to provide the best medical care,” adds Dr Kingston. “We are acutely aware that we are currently unable to provide as many appointments to our patients as we would wish, very often meaning a wait for our patients to have a routine appointment with their GP. We want to improve this.”
With limited and finite resources within the NHS, Dr Kingston says that during the consultation process, her colleagues and herself will be carefully balancing the options of keeping a satellite surgery open or using the opportunity to maintain patient time with their GP.
“This is why we are now seeking the views of all the interested parties,” explains Dr Kingston. “The vast majority of our patients do of course already attend our main practice at the Frome Medical Centre, a state-of-the-art building designed for modern practice. This was recognised by our recent ‘Outstanding’ CQC Award.’
“Our main practice building at Enos Way is able to deliver integrated care, with the East Mendip Outpatients Clinic, nurse practitioners, district nurses, health visitors, and the mental health team,” says Dr Kingston. “After consultation, should the closure of the Locks Hill surgery proceed, then of course all of our existing core medical services at our main location at Enos Way will be available to our patients who normally attend at Locks Hill.”
The questionnaire for patients to complete is now available at both the Locks Hill surgery as well as the information desk in the main practice at the Frome Medical Centre. It will also be available to download from the website. The practice will also be keeping patients fully informed of developments via their website news page, reception screens and posters. The closing date for the receipt of all questionnaires is the 19th August.
