NHS Protect
Communications and
Engagement Report
Eden Terrace and Old Forge Patient
engagement
June 2016
FINAL
Page 1 of 29
NHS Protect
Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................3
Communications and engagement objective(s) ...................................................................4
Summary of activity..............................................................................................................4
Feedback from engagement activities .................................................................................6
The survey findings ..............................................................................................................6
Conclusion .........................................................................................................................13
Appendix 1 – Old Forge letter to patients...........................................................................15
Appendix 2 – Eden Terrace letter to patients .....................................................................16
Appendix 3 – Patient Information Sheet ............................................................................17
Appendix 4 – Patient Survey..............................................................................................20
Appendix 5 – Stakeholder Briefing .....................................................................................27
Page 2 of 29
NHS Protect
Introduction
Two GP practices in Sunderland are proposing to merge into one practice to ensure their
future sustainability to deliver high quality and safe primary health care to their patients.
Eden Terrace Surgery and Old Forge Surgery would like to merge their practices together,
with Eden Terrace services moving into the Old Forge Surgery site.
The main reasons for this is that the Eden Terrace Surgery premises have extremely poor
facilities, with no disability access or disabled toilets, and this is not the environment that is
best to deliver modern healthcare. The practice would like to offer more GP appointments
to meet patient demand, and provide these by both GP Partners working each day but
unfortunately at present there is only one GP consulting room.
This, coupled with the difficulties being faced across the country with GP recruitment, has
prompted the discussions between the two practices about how they can secure services
to their patients and make them fit for the future.
Old Forge Surgery offers more modern facilities with room to accommodate all Eden
Terrace staff. Eden Terrace is a Victorian terrace with no ability to modernise. By coming
together and combining workforces, they are able to gain significant economies to deliver
care for a combined registered list size of 10,000 patients.

Old Forge practice has 7,700 patients two GPs and one Nurse Practitioner

Eden Terrace has 3,000 patients and two GPs
Distances by bus and nearest Metro station from Eden Terrace Surgery:
To
Distance by
car
Time to walk*
Bus numbers
Nearest Metro station
Old Forge
Surgery
1.2 miles
1.1 m (22 minutes)
8,10,11,18,20,
99,700
Pallion
Pallion Health
Centre
1 mile
0.9 m (17 minutes)
2, 2A,8, 16,20,
35, 39, 78, 99
700, 701
Millfield
Park Lane
Practice
0.6 mile
0.6 m (13 minutes)
20, 20A, X21,
22, 23, 36, 60
Park Lane
Chester Road
Surgery
0.6 mile
0.5 m (10 minutes)
78
*distances taken using Google maps
Both practices would very much prefer that their patients would stay registered with Eden
or Old Forge; however patients would be able to register with another practice of their
choice.
Page 3 of 29
NHS Protect
Eden Terrace also serves a high ethic population. The register shows that:







42% speak English
20% Bengali
8% African
5% Asian/Chinese
1% Polish
1% Russian
1% Arabic
Also students make up 20% of the patients.
Communications and engagement objective(s)

To inform patients of the situation and to reassure them that services will continue
to be provided

To gather patient experience, suggestions, questions and concerns in a systematic
way and respond to them

To explain how patients can continue to be registered with their current GP practice
and move premises, however, they do have a choice to leave and register with
another local neighbouring practice

To meet NHS legal duties for engagement, equality duties and best practice
engagement and communications

To counteract concerns that decisions will be made on purely financial/resource
terms rather than reflecting on patient concerns/feedback.
Summary of activity
Patient information sessions and visit/open events
These sessions were held as follows:
Session one:
Wednesday 25 May 2016 between 6 – 8pm at the Old Forge surgery and was attended by
members of the Old Forge PPG group, HealthWatch and patients from Eden Terrace who
had an opportunity to look round the premises.
Page 4 of 29
NHS Protect
Session two:
Thursday 26 May 2016 between 6pm – 8pm held in Eden Terrace Surgery. Dr Mandal
and Lisa O’Keefe - Practice Manager, held a forum type evening where patients were able
to ask about the decision to move to the Old Forge practice. Members of Eden Terrace
PPG were in attendance.
Sessions three and four:
These were held during the afternoons of 8th June at Eden Terrace between 12 - 2pm and
Old Forge Monday 6th June between 11.30-1.30pm for those who were unable to attend
an evening session.
Open event:
An open event was held at Old Forge practice on 1st June, inviting patients from Eden
Terrace to look round their premises prior to the merger. These were promoted in the
patient letters, on the website and posters in the waiting room.
Letter to all registered patients

Separate letters were sent to each household for each GP practice (Total: 5,795):
o
o
Eden Terrace patients (1,500)
Old Forge patients (4,295)
The letter clearly described the proposed changes and the options patients have. It
included a paragraph asking them to ensure that all members of the household
registered with these practices were aware of its content. They were provided with
a paper copy, patient information sheet and survey which included the freepost
address.
Copies of these letters can be found in the appendices:
Appendix one – Old Forge letter
Appendix two – Eden Terrace letter
Survey


A short survey was provided on both paper and online for patients with a list of
questions designed to give people the opportunity to share their views on the
proposed change. (Copy of this survey can be found at appendix four)
Paper copies were provided in the mailshot to all households while the online
survey was hosted on the practice websites and on communication material. Copies
of the survey were available in the two practices.
Page 5 of 29
NHS Protect
Stakeholder engagement

Media relations and stakeholder management planning carried out by NECS
communications team and briefings provided to the practice mangers and CCG
staff to carry out stakeholder briefings. A copy of the stakeholder briefing is included
as appendix five.

Briefings took place with:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Healthwatch
Local Medical Committee
Neighboring practices
Secondary care
Local Councilor’s
Feedback from engagement activities
Feedback from information sessions and visit/open events
Questions mainly covered:




Why this was happening?
Would patients from Eden Terrace be able to get an appointment with their existing
GP?
Would all the staff be going to Old Forge?
People commented about how happy they were with the existing service and
concerns about how to access appointments in the future. There were also
examples of where they were less happy with aspects of local services.
The survey findings
The total number of responses received by the close of the survey period was 70.
This is a response rate of 1% based on the total number of patients over 16 at the time of
the mail-out (5,795).
These were uploaded onto the online survey portal. Paper copies sent to the Freepost
address were by far the most effective method of collecting responses (53 received). 17
surveys were completed online.
Not all respondents chose to answer all the questions in the survey. Some patients made
more than one comment in response to some questions, so total number of comments
may exceed the total number of patients responding to each question in some cases.
Page 6 of 29
NHS Protect
All percentages relate to the total number of respondents and have been rounded to one
decimal place.
A summary of the characteristics of people taking part in the survey, such as age, gender
and ethnicity, is set out below. Individual details were not recorded as there was potential
to identify patients from the patient information sessions.
We asked participants - What is important to you about your GP
service?
These are some of the responses we received:
















Friendly atmosphere and convenience
Prompt and quick appointment
Nice staff, approachable, GP
Not too far to travel
Being able to get appointment within a week to see GP you want. Enough time to
be able to talk to GP
It is very friendly, the staff actually care about you. You are not a number they talk
to you as a person
To get first class patient care
To be able to see GP within 24 hours
To get appointment quickly and a good Doctor I can trust
Having a good level of service and time with doctors and also emergency
appointments
Convenience of where it is situated. Getting an appointment easy. Opening hours
very good
Being able to get an appointment with the Doctor you wish to see .
Near where we live, walking distance since I don't have a car
Friendly caring GPs and staff, efficient services, convenient access
Convenience (locality), being able to get an appointment on the day I ring - not in
two weeks’ time when I should be better!
Of main importance is being able to see a doctor quickly and having easy access
to the services offered. Something that is of great importance is quick and easy
referrals to e.g. hospital or social services. Being able to see the doctor/nurse/staff
member etc of your choice. Continuity of care and patient plans. Due to my
disability easy access to the building and rooms inside is of major importance
Page 7 of 29
NHS Protect
We asked participants - What they thought we could improve upon?
These are some of the answers we received:

















Parking
I agree with the move to more spacious treatment rooms for both doctors, and
Nurse's area. It would benefit everyone. No problem getting to the Old Forge
surgery
Appointments could be quicker
Less waiting time on appointments sometimes have to wait a week when very ill
Open earlier on morning and Saturdays to accommodate working people.
Better premises
Current premises not suitable for delivering modern healthcare.
Availability it is very difficult to get appointment with GP
Offering appointments a day or two after you call
Better premises with more facilities
Clearer speech for patients hard of hearing (not louder!) so better confidentiality
Keeping 'our' practice personal while being based in much larger premises. Taking
advantage of what Old Forge can offer as 'extras'
Improve on making appointments times suit patients that work full time 9-5 that
can't get time off work, also getting an appointment
without waiting nearly up to three weeks when symptoms could change by time
getting seen be a professional GP
Continue in same premises and both partners should do surgery same day so that
patients will not have to wait to see doctor
Both doctors on duty during surgery hours would be fantastic
Keeping to appointment times as 95% of the time I'm waiting 30mins longer than
my appointment
I am more than happy with the surgery as it is, very disappointed Eden Terrace has
to merge. I feel I get a personal service and the staff are brilliant
We asked participants – How do you get to your current GP?
Out of the 68 people who completed the question:




27 patients walked to the practice (40%),
9 people travelled to the practice by car (13%)
8 people took public transport to get to the surgery (11%)
35 % of patients took a combination of mode of travel including taxi or mobility
scooter
Page 8 of 29
NHS Protect
We asked patients if they would like to register with another practice or would
like help or support changing their GP. This is how patients responded:
Answer options
Response %
21.3%
Information about how to register
0.0%
I need information in a different way or format
17.0%
I don’t need any support
I care for someone who would need help to re0.0%
register
I am not planning to register with another
61.7%
practice
Please make any other comments that you may have below
answered question
skipped question
Response count
10
0
8
0
29
24
47
23
We asked participants – Do you have any concerns about getting to the
Old Forge Surgery site?
These are some of the answers we received:












Driving in the future
I feel it is too far away
Yes, 3 buses every hour to get to Eden Terrace but only one an hour for old forge,
it's really awkward
Yes it is really too far! I would have to get a bus or change my doctors. BUT I do not
want to change my doctors
At present no, but if I had mobility problems this may become a problem
Distance, difficult to visit, having to use a poor bus service; unable to take early
appointments as unable to use bus pass
No, I've done a dummy run - it's quite easy to get to
I won't be coming to Old Forge, it will be too difficult for me to get there by public
transport as I don't drive I would have to change to a different
practice which I'm reluctant to do as I 'm happy with Eden Vale practice
Walking to the Old Forge in the winter down roads with no shelter from the elements.
Infrequent bus service - No 18 (half hourly only)
Yes. From where I live it will be difficult to travel to the proposed site, particularly as
there will be major road works along one of the routes for some
considerable time. We would not have any concerns as we drive. It is a longer
distance to travel. However the concerns are not related to distance to travel for
ourselves
I am concerned about the proposed merge with another surgery. This would mean
more patients registered and possibly less appointments for us. Or a change in how
appointments are given. It is inevitable that merging the two surgeries would impact
upon patients
I don't have any concerns, however I am more than happy with things how they are.
What a shame this has to change. Also there is a higher crime rate in
Page 9 of 29
NHS Protect


the Pallion area so more chance of patient's vehicles being tampered with
yes it over subscribed as it is and you can’t get to see a GP
None when going by car. Walking would be a lot further and two buses would be
required if going a public transport
We asked participants – Do you want to register with another practice –
what support or help would you need to help you?
The chart below shows the results of what people have said.
Your choiceIf you do want to register with another practice, we would like to
know what support or help you or your family might need.What sort of support
might you need to help you register with another practice?
Information about how to register
I need information in a different
way or format
I don’t need any support
I care for someone who would
need help to re-register
I am not planning to register with
another practice
This shows the majority of patients (61.7%) are happy to stay with their GP. Some patients
were concerned about travel by public transport and liked the convenience of Eden
Terrace being on their doorstep. 17% said they did not need any support and 21.3% would
like information about registering with another practice.
Demographics of respondents
Questions at the end of the survery were asked to find out if there were any demographic
information that highlighted any of the Protected groups under the Equalities Act which
needed to be considered (should any changes to services be made). The demographics
of those responding to the survey were as follows:
Answer Options
Male
Female
Prefer not to say
Other (please specify)
Three patients did not answer the question.
Page 10 of 29
Response
Percent
Response
Count
35.8%
56.7%
1.5%
6.0%
24
38
1
4
NHS Protect
Age groups: the following pie chart shows the age range of the 64 patients who stated
their age in the response. The majority of patients who completed the survey were over
the age of 75 (36%) and only 3 people (4.69%) were under the age of 25.
Under 18
18-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66-74
75+
Rather not say
Marital status: how people described their marital status is shown in the table below.
What is your marital status?
Answer Options
Married
Single
Divorced
Widowed
Separated
Civil Partnership
Other (please specify)
Response
Percent
Response
Count
47.6%
17.5%
9.5%
23.8%
0.0%
1.6%
30
11
6
15
0
1
2
answered question
skipped question
63
7
Ethnicity - how respondents described their ethnicity is shown below
60 people completed this question. The majority of people were British White 55 (79%) 3
people were Bangladeshi, 1 person was British Indian,1 person was Black African (7%)
and 10 people missed this question.(14%)
Page 11 of 29
NHS Protect
Religion
How people responded to their religion is detailed below:
How people described
themselves
Church of England
Christian
Muslim
Catholic
Atheist
Islam
Hindu
Responses to the question
No response/ preferred not to
say
Total
Number
Percentage
18
10
2
6
13
1
1
63
7
25.71%
14.29%
2.86%
8.57%
18.57%
1.43
1.43
90%
10%
70
Description of sexuality: respondents mainly described their sexuality as heterosexual
or straight (61 – 93.8%), with 1 (1.5%) stating they are gay or lesbian. The remaining
respondents either preferred not to say or did not answer.
93.8%
0.0%
1.5%
3.1%
1.5%
Heterosexual or straight
Bisexual
Gay or lesbian
Prefer not to say
Other (please specify)
answered question
skipped question
61
0
1
2
1
65
5

Carers: 8 (13.3%) of respondents said they care for someone with either a longstanding illness or disability..

Parents or guardians: 3 (4.8%) said they are a parent or guardian (or grandparent)
who generally has to accompany a child or young person to their GP appointment.

Pregnant or with a child under 2: 35 (7.9%) said they were either pregnant at the
time of the survey or had a child under 2 years old.
Gender reassignment: no respondents said they had undergone gender
reassignment.
Page 12 of 29
NHS Protect

Where people lived: 60 people completed this question. The greatest number of
respondents lived in the SR2 postcode area (22 - 36.6%). 10 people did not complete
the question.
Area
SR1
SR2
SR3
SR4
SR5
SR6
SR7
Number
3
22
12
19
1
2
1
Percentage
5%
36.67%
20%
31.67%
1.67%
3.33%
1.67%
Three people called to express their thoughts on the merger.
o Patient from Eden Terrace who was in complete favour of the merger and
thought it was a very good outcome
o Patient from Old Forge who stated: “I think it’s a very good idea, and the best
possible thing to do in the circumstances. Why should we see one practice go to
the wall when it’s such a simple solution? As long as I can still get to see a GP
without waiting weeks, I think you should just crack on and do it.
o One lady expressed concern about the reduction in staff and that bringing more
patients to Old Forge will have a detrimental effect on the quality of the surgery
Conclusion
In the main, patients recognise the issues with the accommodation at Eden Terrace and
that a move into Old Forge would be beneficial.
Comments included current premises not being suitable for delivering a modern healthcare
and that both doctors on duty during surgery hours would be ‘fantastic’.
Most live near to both practices and travel time is quick, although there were some
comments and concerns about travelling further afield for those who would use public
transport. This was in relation to both ill-health and disability for accessibility and
continuity. Also areas of concerns included parking and having to use an infrequent bus
service.
There were also specific comments about particular circumstances or conditions where
knowledge of the healthcare professional is important.
A strong theme was around the need for flexibility for appointments and in particular for
those who worked 9-5. This meant the move was seen to be positive as it would provide
flexibility for more appointments.
Page 13 of 29
NHS Protect
There were a few comments about people being disappointed that the practices would
merge, however, this was based upon the GPs at Eden Terrace who were held in high
regard by their patients rather than any strong objection to the plans. They were mainly
concerned with appointment availability and that merging two surgeries would impact upon
patients.
Respondents felt that it was positive to be able to see both GPs from Eden Terrace when
the practices merge and felt it was important to be able to specifically book to see them to
ensure continuity of care.
Page 14 of 29
NHS Protect
Appendix 1 – Old Forge letter to patients
Dear patient
Important information about The Old Forge Surgery
I am writing to you as a patient with The Old Forge Surgery, to update you on important
information about your practice. Please share this letter with anyone in your household who is
registered at this surgery.
We are committed to providing the best possible service for our patients, and it is proposed to
merge our surgery with the nearby Eden Terrace practice to ensure that both practices are
sustainable for the future.
This change would see the GPs, staff and patients from Eden Terrace joining us at the Old Forge
site, which would create a stronger team, allow us to offer you more appointments and provide a
wider range of healthcare services.
The Eden Terrace premises are not the best environment for modern healthcare, with limited
parking facilities and no disabled access. As you may be aware, The Old Forge Surgery has
modern facilities as well as the space needed to accommodate the additional staff and patients.
This proposed merger will make it possible to increase the number of permanent doctors (from two
full-time GPs to three full-time and one part-time), as well as other staff joining us from Eden
Terrace. This could enable us to offer more flexibility with appointments in the future.
Your views are important to us, so if you have any questions and/or comments, or would like
further information, please come and see us at one of the patient information sessions listed on the
enclosed information sheet. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
A drop in session has been arranged at Old Forge surgery on Wednesday 25 May between 6-8pm.
Alternative day time drop in sessions will be arranged at both venues and dates and times will be
advertised in each practice. If you do have questions or would like further information, please come
and see us at one of the patient information sessions. There is also an opportunity to feedback
online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/G2DNSZG or call us on 0191 2172670
You may also want to be aware of Healthwatch Sunderland, which listens to, advises and speaks
up for users of health and social care services. If you have any concerns or would like to discuss
these changes with Healthwatch, please call 0191 514 7145, email
[email protected] or go to www.healthwatchsunderland.com.
The decision will be made on 27 July after considering the patient feedback we receive, the
financial information and the business case.
Yours sincerely
Janet Willoughby – Practice Manager
Page 15 of 29
NHS Protect
Appendix 2 – Eden Terrace letter to patients
Dear Householder
Important information about your GP practice – Eden Terrace Practice
I am writing to you as you are a registered patient or householder with Eden Terrace
Practice to update you on important information in relation to your practice.
All GP practices in England and Wales hold a contract to deliver health care to local
patients in the community.
You will be aware that our premises are in a poor state with no disability access or toilets,
and are not the ‘environment’ that is best to deliver modern healthcare. We are unable to
offer any parking facilities at the current location.
The practice would like to offer more GP appointments to meet patient demand, by both
GP Partners working each day, but unfortunately at present we only have one GP
consulting room. We would also like to provide modern treatment room facilities including
nurse’s being able to provide more appointments.
In order to ensure we sustain our services for the future are proposing to merge with the
Old Forge Surgery and move into the Old Forge Surgery site, which is situated at Pallion
Park, Sunderland SR4 6QE
We are considering the option as Old Forge Surgery offers more modern facilities with
room to accommodate the additional Eden Terrace staff. They are also able to provide the
up to date facilities that Eden Terrace is unable to, such as example having more GPs and
appointments with nurses, a modern reception, waiting area and treatment rooms.
We would very much like you to continue to be registered patients as we propose to move
to the Old Forge premises. However, should you wish you may prefer to register with
another practice of your choice – a list of these are available in the patient information
included with this letter.
If you do have questions and/or comments, or would like further information, please come
and see us at one of the patient information sessions and complete the enclosed survey.
There is also an opportunity to feedback online at
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/G2DNSZG or call us on 0191 2172670
Healthwatch Sunderland is the statutory independent consumer champion for users of
health and social care services. It listens to, advises and speaks up on behalf of
consumers. If you have any concerns or would like to discuss these changes with
Healthwatch, please call 0191 5147145, Email: [email protected] or go
to www.healthwatchsunderland.com.
Lisa O’Keefe Practice Manager
On behalf of Eden Terrace Practice
Page 16 of 29
NHS Protect
Appendix 3 – Patient Information Sheet
Patient Information Sheet
Background
The main reasons for this is that the Eden Terrace Surgery premises have extremely poor
facilities, with no disability access or disabled toilets, and this is not the ‘environment’ that
is best to deliver modern healthcare. The practice would like to offer more GP
appointments to meet patient demand, we would like to provide these by both GP Partners
working each day but unfortunately at present we only have 1 GP consulting room.
Eden Terrace Surgery and Old Forge Surgery would like to merge their practices together,
with Eden Terrace services moving into the Old Forge Surgery site.
This, coupled with the difficulties being faced across the country with GP recruitment, has
prompted the discussions between the two practices about how they can secure services
to their patients and make them fit for the future.
Old Forge Surgery offers more modern facilities with room to accommodate all Eden
Terrace staff. Eden Terrace is a Victorian terrace with no ability to modernise. By coming
together and combining workforces, they are able to gain significant economies to deliver
care for a combined registered list size of 10,000 patients.
We would like you to continue to be registered patients as we propose to move to the Old
Forge or alternatively you may wish to register with another practice of your choice.
What does it mean for me as a patient?
You will have a choice to remain a registered patient in our proposed new premises or
choose to register with another practice as detailed in the patient information sheet above.
Whatever happens, there will be no changes to the main range of services you receive as
all GP Practices need to deliver these services within their contract.
There are also other practices in the area of Eden Terrace who would be happy
to add you to their list if you did not want to transfer to the new premises.
These are:




Pallion Health Centre
Park Lane Surgery
Chester Road Surgery
Millfield
How can I have a say as a patient?
You can complete the online survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/98KJYT9 and
attend one of the sessions below: Please let us know if you have any special
Page 17 of 29
NHS Protect
requirements.
Additional support to ensure everyone can have their say
If you or someone you know wants to provide face to face feedback but are unable to
attend planned drop-in sessions or focus groups due to mobility, accessibility or transport
reasons, please send the details to [email protected] or ring 0191 2172670.
Drop in sessions and a visit to Old Forge Surgery
You may have some questions about these changes, or you might want to come and have
a look at Old Forge.
We have arranged the following sessions that you may wish to attend.
Patient Information Sessions
Session 1
Wednesday 25 May 6 – 8pm Old Forge
Session 2
Thursday 26 May 6 – 8pm
Eden Terrace
Open event to visit the premises for
Wednesday 1 June 6 – 8pm
Old Forge
Eden Terrace patients
There will also be alternative day time drop-in sessions – dates to be confirmed.
These dates will be advertised in both practices.
Page 18 of 29
NHS Protect
If you would like to attend one of the above patient information sessions, please register
your attendance by telephoning 0191 2172670 or email [email protected] Please
let us know if you have any special requirements.
If you are emailing us please state Eden Terrace in the subject line.
We will make arrangements to contact you or the person you inform us about to ensure all
patients can have their views heard.
What happens next?
We will write to patients following the engagement period with an update of what is
happening together with a summary of key themes from the information sessions.
Page 19 of 29
NHS Protect
Appendix 4 – Patient Survey
Page 20 of 29
NHS Protect
Page 21 of 29
NHS Protect
Page 22 of 29
NHS Protect
Page 23 of 29
NHS Protect
Page 24 of 29
NHS Protect
Page 25 of 29
NHS Protect
Page 26 of 29
NHS Protect
Pemberton House
Colima Avenue
Sunderland Enterprise Park
Sunderland
SR5 3XB
Appendix 5 – Stakeholder Briefing
Healthwatch Sunderland
Sunderland Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Sunderland Health and Wellbeing Board
Health and Wellbeing Board
LMC
Merger of GP practices – Eden Terrace Surgery and Old Forge Surgery
Background
Two GP practices in Sunderland aim to merge into one practice to ensure their future
sustainability to deliver high quality and safe primary health care to their patients.
From 1 August 2016, Eden Terrace Surgery and Old Forge Surgery will be merging their
practices together, with Eden Terrace services moving into the Old Forge Surgery site.
Reasons to merge
Eden Terrace Surgery premises have extremely poor facilities, with no disability access or
disabled toilets, based in an aging building. It is obvious that this is not the environment in
which modern, effective healthcare can be delivered. Additionally, Eden Terrace Surgery
has only a single consulting room, which limits the number of GP appointments that can be
offered each day.
This, coupled with the difficulties being faced across the country with GP recruitment, has
prompted the discussions between the two practices about how they can secure services
to their patients and make them fit for the future.
Old Forge Surgery offers more modern facilities with room to accommodate all Eden
Terrace staff. Eden Terrace is a Victorian terrace with no ability to modernise. By coming
together and combining workforces, they are able to gain significant economies to deliver
care for a combined registered list size of 10,000 patients.
Patient engagement
Page 27 of 29
NHS Protect
Patients registered with both practices have been notified of the merger in writing. A
survey has also been provided as a physical copy and weblink, which will allow the
patients to share their views on the proposals. The online survey is available at
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/G2DNSZG
Two drop-in sessions have been arranged where patients can ask any questions relating
to the merger:


25 May, 6 – 8pm
26 May, 6 – 8pm
Old Forge Surgery
Eden Terrace Surgery
An open event has also been arranged for 1 June 2016 which will allow patients from
Eden Terrace to visit the Old Forge premises.
What it means for patients
Patients will have a choice to remain as a registered patient in the new proposed new
premises or choose to register with another practice. Whatever happens, there will be no
changes to the main range of services that patients receive as all GP practices need to
deliver these services within their contract.
As part of the information given to patients who will be affected, other practices in the area
of Eden Terrace have been contacted and they would be happy to accept new patients.
These are: Pallion Health Centre



Park Lane Surgery
Chester Road Surgery
Millfield
Page 28 of 29
NHS Protect
Post-merger
Both practices would very much prefer that their patients would stay registered with Eden
or Old Forge, however patients would be able to register with another practice of their
choice.
There will be no changes to the main range of services that are delivered.
For more information on this merger, please contact Helen Fox, Senior Communications
Manager, on 0191 217 2670 or by emailing [email protected]
Page 29 of 29