New management for GP as it hits financial difficulties

A GP surgery in Gainsborough is being taken over after its current provider struggles with financial difficulties.

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) will take over the management of Pottergate Surgery in Gainsborough, from Monday, August 1 after current provider Universal Health Ltd asked local NHS commissioners to terminate its contract at the end of the month because of financial difficulties.

NHS Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, the NHS body responsible for commissioning 37 GP practices across Lincoln, Gainsborough and surrounding areas, has worked hard to secure the agreement with LCHS in a short space of time.

Sarah Newton, chief operating officer at NHS Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“We understand this may concern some patients but the CCG is absolutely committed to ensuring they can continue to access good-quality and local GP-led health services.

“We have written to every single one of our adult patients affected, informing them of the change in management and now we would really appreciate their feedback.

“We will be looking to make longer-term arrangements for the continued provision of GP services and would like to get people’s thoughts on the type of primary care they want.

“We want to take people’s views into consideration and would therefore encourage them to come and air their views at any of our forthcoming events if they want to.”

Other surgeries also being taken over are Metheringham Surgery in Methingham, Arboretum Surgery and Burton Road Surgery, both in Lincoln.

The CCG is encouraging patients to voice their thoughts by filling in a questionnaire.

Patients have been written to by the CCG and they have until September 9, to return their attached questionnaires.

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) will manage the practices at least until December 16.

Patients with any queries are able to contact a member of the Lincolnshire West CCG team by ringing 01522 515380 or by emailing [email protected].

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