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Have Weston-super-Mare’s GP services hit ‘breaking point’?

by mikebell on 29 November, 2016

Weston’s GP services have been plunged into a ‘crisis’, with many patients unable to see the same doctor twice and surgeries pushed to the brink financially – while the organisation which could fix the problem stands accused of ignoring the town.
Campaigners say there are not enough GPs in the town centre to meet ever-increasing demand, and warn the situation will get worse as more people come to live in the area.

It has also emerged that NHS England has ‘blocked’ plans to merge of two of the town’s surgeries – Stafford Place and Locking Castle medical centres – in a move which is claimed would save money and make doctors’ lives ‘easier’.

The allegations were made by the Stafford Medical Group’s patient participation group (PPG) chairman, Steve Emery, at a North Somerset Council meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Emery said: “There is a crisis in GP provision in Weston – it sounds alarming, but it is true. We have requested to merge our two practices at Stafford Place and Locking Castle, but we are getting nothing but blocked by NHS England.

“(Weston’s MP) John Penrose has got involved and we have involved some town councillors too – we are pretty desperate.

“We have got NHS England blocking the merger, which would make life easier and more sustainable, and our GPs are nearing retirement age. We need your help.”

Aanother town PPG leader said there was a ‘lack of detail’ about how the problem would be solved.

Alan Rice is the chairman of the PPG at Graham Road surgery, where he claimed patients were regularly unable to see the same doctor more than once.

He said: “I am stepping down at the end of December and with one last effort, I am taking this opportunity to plead for help with the biggest challenge I have seen during my time.

“Proposing to extend or open new facilities will be supported in principle, but there is a lack of detail about the future of primary care in Weston from NHS England itself.

“Where are all these new patients going to go?”

NHS England was also accused of failing Weston’s patients by Central ward councillor Mike Bell, who said any action taken to rectify the situation would be welcomed.

Cllr Bell said: “I really do think the clinical commissioning group (CCG) and NHS England are not listening, so anything we can do to create calls for action – not just talk – would be really positive.”

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