TWO GP surgeries in Harlow are set to merge.

Addison House Surgery off Fourth Avenue and Barbara Castle Surgery in the Sumners will “operate as one surgery” from April 1st 2020.

Patients have received a letter from the health authority, the West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

This mean patients may make appointments at either surgery.

There are two consultancy periods available for patients to ask questions

Addison House: March 4th: 12pm to 2pm
Barbara Castle: March 5th: 12pm to 2pm

Labour candidate for Sumners and Kingsmoor, Aiden O’Dell has submitted a series of questions to the CCG.

The questions are:

What are the proposed benefits of the merge for patients?

Will Doctors and staff be covering, and therefore located between both practices?

What is the purpose and reason for the merger?

Why was there not a consultation period with patients?

How will it affect patients’ ability to book an appointment including:

Will patients be provided appointments at either location, regardless of preference

Can patients have a preference and if so, will they be guaranteed an appointment at their preferred surgery (available appointments permitting)

How will patients book appointments – will each surgery still keep existing receptions, or will it be centralised?

As you may imagine, there will be worries of the future of the practice’s (especially after the closure of Osler House in Harlow). What are your future plans for both Surgeries? i.e.:

Will opening hours be adjusted at either site?

Is the existence of one (or both) centre(‘s) in review and in consideration to amend access?

YH hopes to interview Mr O’Dell soon.