Member Article

Hartlepool surgeries extend contracts to avoid closure

The futures of three Hartlepool GP surgeries have been secured until at least 2016.

NHS England had been proposing closing the Hartfields surgery and merging the Fens and Wynyard Road practices.

However, following a public consultation by NHS England, it is now proposed to extend the current contract of the surgeries until March 31st, 2016.

In regards to the Hartfields practice, NHS England now plans to try and secure a new, long term, contract.

For the Fens and Wynyard Road surgeries, NHS England believe the contract extensions will allow them to undertake more extensive engagement work, before making any long-term decision on their future.

Chair of Hartlepool Council’s Audit and Governance Committee, Councillor Ray Martin-Wells, said: “Councillors shared the strength of public feeling caused by the proposals to close Hartfields surgery and merge the Fens and Wynyard Road Practices and I am absolutely delighted the current contracts have now been extended.”

“As the Council’s lead body for health scrutiny, the Audit and Governance Committee was due to meet on November 20th to formally consider the outcome of the consultation, and formulate a response to the proposals. I’m thrilled that that meeting is no longer required.

“The Fens, Hartfields and Wynyard Road practices serve populations with a high degree of health need and I look forward to discussing with NHS England the future primary care needs of the patients registered at these surgeries.

“The Audit and Governance Committee will be keeping a watching brief on the development of any new plans.”

Vice Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher, said: “We worked with the NHS England area team to achieve this exceptionally positive outcome.

“Extending the contracts of these three surgeries is excellent news for the people of Hartlepool and shows that NHS England took into account all views that were raised.

“I’m sure all Councillors on the Audit and Governance Committee welcome the news that NHS England now plans to conduct more extensive engagement activities with patients and relevant organisations, including Hartlepool Borough Council.”