Over 100 people came to an open event which was held this week for patients of Dorchester Road Surgery, Royal Crescent and Preston Road Practices in Weymouth.
Held at Weymouth Rugby Club on Tuesday evening, patients were invited to find out more about the upcoming merger. Staff from the practices, patient participation group representatives and NHS Dorset were present to answer questions and address concerns that people had.
Patient participation groups (PPGs) are run by volunteers and work alongside practice teams within GP surgeries. The PPGs of both practices have been supportive of the merger and helped to make the event a success.
The practices were keen to reassure patients that they will not need to do anything to continue receiving care. Practice teams, prescriptions and ongoing appointments will be as usual.
The merger is due to take place in April 2024.
Dr Emma Casson, GP Partner at Dorchester Road Practice said, “A great deal of thought and planning has gone into this merger to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
“It will offer many benefits to patients and our practices alike. It will mean we can combine skills within our GP and nursing teams, and hopefully be more attractive to recruiting new clinicians, making us more sustainable.”
Patients can find Frequently Asked Questions on the practices’ websites or in the surgeries.
Visit The Dorchester Road Surgery or www.royalcrescentsurgery.co.uk/
To find out more about patient participation groups, please contact communication@nhsdorset.nhs.uk.
Dr Chris Nelson (GP partner Royal Crescent Street); Sandra Maddison (Manager Royal Crescent Street); Dr Emma Casson (GP partner Dorchester Road; Dr Wayne Knight (GP partner Dorchester Road ); Dr Jo Young (GP partner Royal Crescent Street); Dr Sharlina Sallehuddin (GP partner Royal Crescent Street)