BOROUGH OF POOLE
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
12 JANUARY 2010
THE WEST CANFORD HEATH MEDICAL CENTRE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. As members will already be aware, Dr Ralph Vadas was removed from the PCT’s Performers List and his General Medical Services contract terminated in late June 2009, following a detailed investigation and review into serious allegations regarding his practice.
1.2. The General Medical Council is conducting its own investigation and Dr Vadas is currently suspended by the GMC with a hearing scheduled for June 2010.
1.3. It was necessary for the PCT to consider the future of this practice and the services provided for patients in the area. Following consultation throughout the Summer, The PCT Board received a report in November 2009 and agreed to disperse the list, and close the practice at the end of March 2010. The following outlines the process for coming to this decision.
2. CURRENT POSITION
2.1. The West Canford Heath Practice is single-handed, with a current list size of approximately 1,100 patients (and falling). The Practice boundary is defined as covering a three mile radius of the surgery to include Canford Heath, Oakdale, Broadstone, Corfe Mullen, Creekmoor, Upton, Hamworthy, Poole, Parkstone, Alderney and the Waterloo Estate.
2.2. Since June 2009, clinical cover has been provided by the Harvey Practice through a formal agreement with the PCT and following written agreement with Dr Vadas. In addition, the PCT has commissioned the Harvey Practice to provide clinical supervision and general management support to the West Canford Heath Practice. The practice staff have been TUPE’d across to the Harvey Practice as part of this arrangement.
2.3. In order to inform the future commissioning arrangements for primary care services in the Canford Heath area, an engagement exercise was carried out between the end of June 2009 until the end of September 2009. Consultation forms were sent to all of the Practice’s registered patients and letters were also sent to the following stakeholders to seek their feedback:
§ All Bournemouth and Poole GP practices;
§ The Chief Executive of the Wessex Local Medical Committee;
§ Local councillors for:
§ Broadstone;
§ Creekmoor;
§ Canford Heath East;
§ Canford Heath West;
§ Chair and Vice Chair of the Poole Scrutiny Committee;
§ The Leader of the Borough of Poole Council;
§ Local MPs.
2.4. In total, 65 responses were received from patients of the practice. One response was received from a practice, confirming their willingness to register patients.
2.5. The key themes to note are as follows:
2.5.1. Of those factors considered to be ‘very important’ were opening hours and availability of appointments was considered the most important, followed by the distance to travel to see a GP or nurse and the range of services available.
2.5.2. Of those factors considered to be ‘important’, parking was seen as the most important, followed by a modern premises with easy access and the range of services available in addition to the ability to see the same GP or nurse was also considered to be an important factor.
2.5.3. Of those factors considered to be ‘not important’ the least important was considered to be public transport links.
2.5.4. Other factors, volunteered as being of significance by the patients included:
· the availability of blood tests;
· a personal service;
· a preference for a smaller surgery;
· the availability of a nurse;
· access to a female GP.
3. BOARD DECISION
3.1. Following the consultation process, discussion with NHS Bournemouth and Poole Directors and Board members, it has been agreed that the practice list should be dispersed resulting in the closure of the practice.
3.2. This decision was considered as appropriate as access to primary care services in the area is good with practices providing a range of core, additional and enhanced services, including extended opening hours, minor surgery, blood testing and immunisations. Neighbouring practices are also in a position of offering a choice of GP (including female GPs), good parking facilities and a good standard of premises. All local practices are also accepting new patients.
3.3. It was not felt appropriate to maintain the current site as single-handed practice, in line with national guidance arising from the Shipman inquiry.
3.4. Similarly, the establishment of a branch surgery was not supported as it would not have been possible to offer patients the breadth and quality of services that a main site is able to offer in terms of choice, access and responsiveness.
4. NEXT STEPS
4.1. The key activity over the next few months is to ensure that patients, staff and stakeholders are aware of the decision which has been made.
4.2. It is proposed that patient will be contacted from the week commencing 4 January, either by letter or by telephone, to inform them of the decision, and to help them register with a new practice. Information will be available that outlines the process and the practices available to take on new patients,
4.3. The NHS Bournemouth and Poole PALS team have been briefed so they are able to support patients through this time to ensure there is ongoing access to healthcare.
4.4. Neighbouring practices will be briefed to ensure they are ready to accept new patients from this practice.
All stakeholders, staff and other partners will be contacted during the week of 4 January to inform them of the decision.
Liz Kite
Deputy Director of Communications
NHS Bournemouth and Poole
Canford House
Discovery Court Business Centre
551-553 Wallisdown Road
Poole
BH12 5AG
Tel: 01202 541534
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