FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AROUND MERGER OF ST ANNE’S GROUP PRACTICE & WILLIAM STREET SURGERY
A lot of the questions we are being asked are along the same lines (although maybe worded slightly differently) so we have put together an FAQs document.
One of the biggest concerns seems to be around coping with demand. As we explained in our original letter to you all, nothing will change from your point of view. You still telephone the same number, you still attend the same site, you still see the same Drs.
A lot of patients have commented about the problem of getting through on the telephones. Have you considered using the online service for booking your Drs appointments. MYGP App offers a simple way of booking appointments, Patient Access offers a more detailed access, allowing you to book appointments, order medication and view your medical records (for this option you will need to obtain application forms from the surgery).
How will you cope with extra patients when surgeries are so busy already?
The demand on each surgery will not change as you will still continue to book your appointments in exactly the same way as you always have.
How will you manage when extra housing is built?
We have already submitted plans to increase the number of clinical rooms at Beltinge which will allow us to increase our capacity.
Can we still see our own Dr?
Yes. You continue to book appointments in exactly the same way you always have.
When does it take place & where will the surgery be?
Businessmerger takes place on 1 April 2018. Existing sites remain the same, we are not building a new surgery.
Can we use either surgery?
Not at the moment. We want to keep things as straightforward as possible for everyone. Continue to book your appointments at the site you usually attend.
Can I still attend my existing surgery?
Yes
Will you be increasing staff levels to cope with extra demands?
There will be no additional demand as William Street patients will still attend William Street.
Will you extend opening hours to cope with extra demand?
As above.
What will happen if patients are not happy?
The decision to merge was a business decision so will form a new Partnership. Patients are free to choose their GP Practice so if not happy with the service they receive they can move to another Practice, however, we always welcome feedback and are happy to look at suggestions to improve our services.
Will the Diabetes/Asthma clinics etc continue to run at the surgery?
Yes. We are currently running a recruitment drive for Practice Nurses across both surgeries.
Will there be a survey after a few months to ask patients for feedback?
This is not something we have looked at yet, but certainly something we would consider.