On Monday 6th June, a meeting will take place where representatives from Dr Baliga’s Surgery and the Jubilee Medical Group will explain reasons for their proposed merger.
Letters have already been sent to patients from both surgeries explaining some of the benefits of merging the two practices which includes making it easier to provide a safe and efficient service and sustain a decrease in practice budgets.
The government now requires that the surgeries stay open for longer hours therefore combining staff will help to increase services to residents.
The newly merged practice hopes to relocate to Burke Street, however there will be no changes to the range of services provided. Patients will still be able to see a clinician of their choice.
The letter also mentions plans to trial a walk in at Burke Street to make it easier for patients who need to be seen urgently on the day and to cut down NHS costs.
The 6pm meeting at Burke Street Surgery will go into more detail regarding these plans and the reasons for them.
The meeting promises to hear the views and answer the questions of residents who choose to attend the meeting.
Local MPs and councillors have also been invited to attend the meeting alongside a selection of clinicians from both practices.
Anyone who feels that they will be unable to attend the meeting but has questions, can contact the Practice Manager at Jubilee Medical Group (Gill Johnson) on 01325 311300 or at Dr Baliga’s Surgery (Janet Stephenson) on 01388 772829.
Alternatively, you can write to either Practice Manager to give your feedback on the proposal.
The deadline for feedback is three days after the meeting on 9th June.
The surgeries will continue to keep residents updated with any further developments. Before asking a question, readers might like to see whether their query is one of the frequently asked questions listed on www.jubileemedical.com.
Detailed answers to frequently asked questions are provided on this website.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
