TCI Commentary:
We like this summertime story from Cornwall. Not just because it illustrates the potential hardship if charming but somewhat isolated fishing villages like Mevagissey lose their GP Surgery. But also because it’s not a tale of adversarial controversy, but of a local community working with the local CCG to find a solution. With a national shortage of GPs and the bureaucratic urge to centralise, the legal requirement on the NHS to involve and consult seems a great stimulus to force a constructive dialogue. So much better than the ‘take-it-or-leave it’ stance of too many public bodies. Good luck Cornwall.
Article:
A petition has been handed to NHS Kernow with 3,779 signatures opposing the potential closure of Mevagissey surgery after its GP partner announced she was quitting.
A petition with more than 3,500 signatures opposing the closure of a doctors’ surgery has been handed to health chiefs.
The petition with 3,779 signatures objecting to the possible closure of Mevagissey surgery was presented to NHS Kernow ahead of its governing body’s meeting on Tuesday (June 4).
A question mark is hanging over the future of the surgery after the sole GP partner announced she would be handing the contract back to NHS England next month.
It has led to a massive campaign by people living in and around Mevagissey with a “Will you be my GP?”
Social media campaign attracting local and national interest as they try to tempt a doctor to take over. The campaign has included a protest by hundreds of patients outside the surgery.
NHS Kernow and NHS England have been running a consultation about GP services in Mevagissey which is due to close (June 5). Any decision would also affect Gorran Haven, where the branch surgery is run by the Mevaigssey one.
Cllr Mustoe said that the way that health bosses had involved the public in just a space of three weeks was to be highlighted.
NHS Kernow governing body chairman Iain Chorlton, a GP himself, said that the way that people had been involved in the consultation was a good example of how communities can help to shape health services.
Ahead of the meeting two people on the governing body – NHS Kernow chief officer Jackie Pendleton and chief operating officer Helen Childs – had to declare an interest as they are both registered patients at Mevagissey Surgery.
No indication has been given as to when a decision will be made about the future of the surgery with both NHS Kernow and NHS England waiting the outcome of the consultation.
Ahead of yesterday’s meeting Cllr Mustoe and Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay, wrote a joint letter to NHS Kernow.
In it they both thanked the health organisations for the work it has done in consulting with local people who use the surgery and said they “strongly endorse” that a surgery be retained in Mevagissey.
Five GPs are listed on Mevagissey Surgery’s website but Katherine Jones is the only partner GP and is quitting her NHS contract. The letter states: “We have heard many personal stories where having primary care facilities in Mevagissey had literally been the difference between life and death.
“As a rural and coastal community the surgery has always been at the physical and metaphorical heart of Mevagissey.” The letter highlights patient satisfaction surveys for the surgery which found that 87% of patients said their experience was good or very good, higher than the national average. It adds: “Should this facility be lost there would be knock on consequences around Mevagissey and the surrounding communities.
MP Steve Double: “Many of the people who have contacted us are older people, who by necessity use the surgery more than others. Many of these people currently walk or go by mobility scooter to the surgery for regular appointments. Should the surgery close and these patients be reallocated to another surgery these people would need to regularly use public transport to get to appointments.”
They add that access to alternative surgeries in St Austell would pose problems to people who can currently access the Mevagissey surgery easily.
The Conservative councillor and MP also highlight that closure of the surgery could also increase pressure on other health and care services. “We know that is in no-one’s best interests that Mevagissey Surgery closes and remain committed to working with all involved to get the best outcome for the patients, staff and community affected.”
This article originally appeared on Cornwall Live
The Institute cannot confirm the accuracy of this story or confirm that it presents a balanced view. If you feel this is inaccurate, we would welcome your perspective and evidence that this is the case.
