Helston’s biggest GP practice has revealed it is "looking to take on" a contract to continue care for the town’s Meneage Street Surgery patients.
In November 2022 Meneage Street Surgery sent letters to patients to announce that its partners, Dr Vyvyan and Dr Shaw, would be terminating their contracts as partners on March 31, which left patients airing their concerns on social media about the future.
Although there was no indication that the surgery would close, despite the departure of the partners, it led to concern from some that patients may need to move to an already busy Helston Medical Centre.
However, today (Tuesday, February 7) Helston Medical Centre posted an update on its Facebook page to explain they have been working with the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) to consider options for the best effective care for Helston patients.
The post said: “Under such circumstances, there were two main options, to look at - taking on a similar contract or patients being asked to register at an alternative practice.
“As the most local practice, we, therefore, decided to take on a contract to provide care to their patients, maintain use of the Meneage Street building (at least initially) and try to keep the care similar to its current form for all Helston patients, irrespective of the registered surgery.
“The aim is that this provides care for Meneage Street patients but doesn’t increase the numbers of patients at Helston Medical Centre & Porthleven Surgery.
“Whilst this is not yet set in stone, it looks like this is the most likely outcome.”
READ MORE: Latest on Meneage Street Surgery in Helston: NHS Cornwall update
A statement was previously released by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) stating that although the contract termination would take place in March 2023, there would still be access to an NHS GP practice.
The statement said: “I wish to reassure you that you will always have access to an NHS GP practice, and until we update you further you should remain registered with Meneage Street Surgery.
“Our highest priority is to get the clarity that you need at the first opportunity."
The Packet has contacted Helston Medical Centre and Cornwall & Isles of Scilly integrated Care board for a comment on the latest proposals.
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