GPs pull out of Hucknall surgery

The GP partners at Whyburn Medical Practice on Curtis Street, have given Nottingham North and East Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) six months' notice that they intend to hand back the contract they hold for providing GP services to around 12,000 patients in the town.
Whyburn Medical Practice on Curtis Street, picture courtesy of GoogleWhyburn Medical Practice on Curtis Street, picture courtesy of Google
Whyburn Medical Practice on Curtis Street, picture courtesy of Google

The surgery has cited increasing property costs, workloads and a failure to recruit new GPs and clinicians, and stated that their current position is 'untenable'.

Dr James Hopkinson, clinical lead, Nottingham North and East CCG says: “We’re saddened that Whyburn Practice has made the difficult decision to hand back their contract.

“We recognise that the partners have been facing a number of challenges and trying for some time to recruit additional GPs and other clinicians.

Whyburn Medical Practice on Curtis Street, picture courtesy of GoogleWhyburn Medical Practice on Curtis Street, picture courtesy of Google
Whyburn Medical Practice on Curtis Street, picture courtesy of Google

"We’ve been working closely with them to help address the issues and while we are very disappointed that they have arrived at this decision, we appreciate it is one that will not have been taken lightly.

“We understand that this will be unsettling news for patients. We’d like to reassure patients that it is our priority to ensure that they continue to receive high quality, safe patient care.

“Over the next six months, we will be working closely with our colleagues at NHS England to find the right long-term solution for the patients currently registered with Whyburn and ensure that any changes take place with minimal disruption.”

A spokeswoman for the CCG said: "We are keen to find a suitable solution for local patients to ensure the continuation of primary care services at the practice.

"We are currently working with colleagues at NHS England and the practice partners to examine the options for the provision of primary care services when this contract expires in May 2019.

"Our process is to explore local solutions that ensure GP services will continue at Whyburn.

"This may include looking at procuring a new provider for the practice. Patient feedback and comments will be important in determining the best outcome for the practice and its patients."

Councillor John Wilmott, who represents Hucknall North on Ashfield District Council said; "Myself and Trevor Locke set up a petition for a new walk in centre, as we were concerned that GP services would not cope with demand from the amount of houses to be built, which has now come to fruition.

"I am alarmed, there isn't the capacity to take on more patients in other GP surgeries

"I am keen to find a suitable solution, and will be talking to the CCG and NHS to make sure a service is available.

"A huge amount of people will be affected, hopefully some service will be provided, as 12,000 patients can't be left without a GP.

"I am concerned that the CCG have known that a huge amount of houses have been built, and I am expecting them to come up with a solution."

At this point, patients do not need to do anything, the service will continue as normal. The CCG will write to patients if they need to take any action. The CCG and practice will continue to keep patients updated through the practice and CCG websites.

If patients have any concerns they can contact the CCG’s patient experience team on 0115 883 9570 or email: [email protected]