Patient concerns over possible closure of Calderdale GP practices

A formal consultation has begun by Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) into plans for its Alternative provider Medical Services (APMS) practice contracts in order to understand the impact of them ending.

The GP practices which could be affected are Elland and Sowerby Bridge, and Park and Calder Community Practice, delivered by Locala in central Halifax and Todmorden, and Meadow Dale Group Practice, delivered by Virgincare in Ovenden.

Patients of these practices have been informed that closure was an option being considered, but many are expressing concern about their future healthcare and pressure on other GP services.

A spokesperson for Calderdale CCG said that the plan was to provide patients’ GP healthcare through “locally managed dispersal”. He added “We cannot renew the APMS contracts again and we have not found another organisation to deliver GP services through a regular GP contract. However, we will try again to find a solution for the affected patients.

“We want to make sure patients have a long term solution for their GP services.

“The APMS contracts are not good value for money. They cost up to double the amount of regular GP contracts are not enough patients have registered with them across Calderdale.”

He went on to say that the CCG are planning a “locally managed dispersal. This is when we register patients with a different GP practice based on their postcode.

“This means everyone will have a GP and don’t have to do anything themselves. The CCG will register patients and tell them who their new GP practice is.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 738