A councillor says he is “concerned” by new proposals to merge two Bradford GP surgeries together.
Under the potential plans, Horton Bank Top Medical Practice would join three surgeries linked to The Ridge Medical Practice at Great Horton, Wibsey and Buttershaw.
The changes could come into action as soon as Spring 2023, if approved.
Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership Board said the proposals would ensure the “best possible support” is offered to patients.
The board hopes to see that “best use is made of the skilled workforce” amid continued NHS staffing challenges.
Cllr Luke Majkowski (Queensbury, The Bradford South Independents) says he has been speaking with the surgeries’ patients amid rumours “that the merger is already a ‘done deal’”.
Cllr Majkowski said: “I am concerned by the comments that I have received both from the patients of The Ridge and Horton Bank Practice.
“It has also been rumoured that the merger is already a “done deal”.
“This has not yet been confirmed and is only a rumour but I have contacted Bradford District and Craven Integrated Care Partnership to clarify.
“The letter states that the practice are ‘considering a merger’ therefore I would read as no merger has yet taken place.
“I have also been advised by some patients that they are already being sent to The Ridge when calling for an appointment which also questions whether the merger has already taken place.
“As with any change to local health systems, if the purpose is to improve patient care and access levels then it is only right to consider merging.
“If however the proposed merger is a based on commercial decision making and could negatively impact patient care and access it must be stopped.
“Patient level of care and how they access it at a time when GP’s are already under pressure is my upmost priority.”
Public meetings to discuss the proposals will take place at the Horton Bank Practice between 2pm and 4pm on November 9 and 6pm to 7pm on November 23.
In a statement, the health board said: “The Ridge Medical Practice and Horton Bank Top Medical Practice are in the early stages of proposing a merger to bring their practices together.
“As part of this proposal, they will carry out an involvement exercise giving patients the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.
“There are details of public meetings being held in November and an opportunity to feedback are on the Horton Bank Medical Practice website.
“The proposals are designed to offer patients equitable access to their GP practice while ensuring the best use is made of the skilled workforce across both sites.
“There are no plans to reduce the number of staff working at both practices and services would still be offered from both locations. The intention is to make best use of these premises to provide the best possible support to patients in the surrounding neighbourhoods and communities.
“Feedback from patients and partners will be valued and help the practices influence their final proposal.”
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