Update regarding Stockton-on-the-Forest GP Surgery
June 15, 2023
Julian met with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to discuss the closure of Stockton-on-the-Forrest’s GP surgery that is run by the Haxby Group.
The meeting focused on the consequences if the surgery closes and what measures can be taken to ensure that people are not unnecessarily further inconvenienced and hindered from accessing a GP appointment.
The ICB is looking at ways in which they can work with the Haxby Group to ensure that there are measures in place for those who do not have access to transport or are deemed vulnerable can still easily access a GP locally.
In the meeting Julian argued that there is a necessity to further explore viable options for increasing outreach services such as transport connectivity between GPs and to look at ways that ensure patients from Stockton-on-the Forrest can be seen at other GP practices. Julian is aware that the ICB have pressed the Haxby Group to action this by engaging with surrounding GP surgeries.
The long waiting times that patients have been experiencing are not acceptable or sustainable so we must ensure that in any scenario, these waiting times are slashed as a matter of priority.
Julian recognises that the closure of any GP is deeply concerning for the community and its patients, therefore he has been making a strong case for constructive engagement between the ICB and the Haxby Group to offer better solutions to mitigate the disruption and improve waiting times for patients.
There must be appropriate and workable contingency measures in place to make sure all patients can be seen in a timely manner in the local area.
Julian is very much looking forward to gaining an update on the situation from the ICB in four weeks’ time.
Following the meeting Julian commented,
“There has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Haxby Group surgery in Stockton-on-the-Forrest and I recognise the strength of feeling on this matter.
I am pleased that I had the opportunity to engage with the ICB constructively on what they and the Haxby group are doing in terms of creating contingency arrangements.
Patients in Stockton-on-the-Forrest rightly want to be able to access a GP in a timely manner in their local area. I am pleased to hear that the Haxby Group and ICB will be engaging with surrounding GPs on this issue.
I will continue to advocate for increased outreach services, primarily transport, to ensure that nobody is at a disadvantage in regards to accessing a GP”
