Sign petition now to safeguard our Shropdoc service

15/01/2016 @ 12:01

Welshpool doctors are calling for support in their bid to protect the out of hours medical service provided by Shropdoc.

Shropshire County and Telford & Wrekin CCG’s are asking for comments from clinicians and the public about their plans to re-commission the 111 service and to tender Shropdoc at the same time.

Now Welshpool doctors are asking patients to sign a petition at their Salop Road or Guilsfield surgeries to help safeguard the "valuable jewel" that is mainly delivered by local GPs.

Gaynor Maclennan, Welshpool Medical Practice Centre Manager said: "Shropdoc provides an excellent, safe out of hours medical service and is greatly valued in Mid Wales, Shropshire and Telford. NHS management systems are considering changing this.

"Please call in at Welshpool and Guilsfield Surgery to sign our petition and assist in safeguarding this 'valuable jewel' we have, that is mainly delivered by local GP's. We only have until January 22nd to have our voice heard.

"Whilst the 111 service is a nationally mandated service which should make access for patients easier and simpler, an aspiration which Shropdoc supports, what happens beyond that initial call is critical to the service that a patien might receive," she added.

"The CCG can mandate all calls to be triaged by 111 and have the patients sent straight to 999, A&E or an appointment; or the CCG can mandate calls which require clinical input to be sent to Shropdoc, where over 60% speak to a clinician and have their consultation completed over the phone.

"Shropdoc has provided OOH’s services on this patch for the last 20 years, as well as many other services including the Care Coordination service, physiotherapy triage and dedicated helplines for oncology and LTC patients. The organisation is highly regarded by patients and is recognised nationally for its quality.

"A well run 111 and OOH’s service is key to reducing inappropriate demand on day time general practice," added Ms Maclennan. "There is a very real risk that any new provider would not enjoy the support which Shropdoc does and any resultant reduction in service provision and quality could have a significant deleterious effect on patient care and General Practice workload in the daytime period."