Hightown’s GP surgery will continue to operate but is unlikely to have a doctor present on site at all times, local NHS leaders have said.
During a grilling by Sefton councillors on Tuesday evening (June 22), one local NHS chief was accused of using “weasel words” by saying residents of Hightown would have “access” to a GP at all times before admitting that the doctor might not be physically present.
Martin McDowell, chief finance officer for Southport and Formby CCG, said the NHS would engage with local residents “to ensure that the services are delivered to meet the public’s needs” but added it was the CCG’s “intention to retain a surgery within the bounds of the GP service contract”.
READ MORE: Man waited three years for a dentist appointment
Dr Kati Sholtz, clinical director for the CCG, added: “I am absolutely sure that Hightown residents are not going to suffer as a consequence of a takeover or a status quo.”
But when asked by Liberal Democrat councillor Iain Brodie Brown whether there would be “a physical body there” during normal opening hours, Mr McDowell replied: “I couldn’t say that.”
Asking for more detail, Cllr Brodie Brown added: “This is where the weasel words start.”
Mr McDowell continued: “Not for the full contract hours, but there will be access to general practitioners if someone was to go to the practice. They won’t necessarily see a doctor.”
He added that services could be provided by nurse practitioners or other specialists in the absence of a GP.
Cllr John Joseph Kelly, who represents the area, said his constituents were worried about what changes to Hightown Village Surgery would mean for them.
He said: “The concern with the population of Hightown - particularly as many of them are elderly - is actually getting access to a GP.
“One of the concerns is you wouldn’t be able to go by train, there’s no direct bus routes, many don’t have cars, many don’t use modern technology.
“I think the important thing for the people of Hightown is there needs to be a commitment to a proper general practice.”
This is not the first time concerns have been raised over the future of the Hightown surgery.
In 2018, the NHS wrote to its 2,000 patients telling them they would need to find a new GP as the surgery was closing, before only weeks later reversing its decision and keeping the practice open.
The confusion followed a period in which the surgery’s previous operators had lost their contract after being rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.
The practice was then taken over by another group, which suddenly informed NHS England in March 2018 that it would not operate the service past the end of the month.
After announcing the surgery’s closure, the NHS then secured an agreement from Chapel Lane Surgery in Formby to take over the running of Hightown.
On Tuesday, Mr McDowell said the CCG would be meeting next week with interested parties “to try and work out where we are up to and try to think about the engagement process that’s required to ensure that the services are delivered to meet the public’s needs.”
