Practice to stay after CCG decision
A Willenhall doctors practice has been saved despite being recommended for closure earlier this year as part of a health service shake up.
Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) had proposed to close Kingfisher Medical Practice, based at Bentley Medical Centre on Churchill Road in Bentley, and Keys Family Practice, based at Willenhall Health Centre on Field Street in Willenhall as part of the revamp.
However, the Keys Family Practice has been retained after a CCG governing body meeting.
More than 1,000 surveys were completed during the consultation period, which formed the basis of the recommendations.
The first recommendation approved was to merge the three contracts of Wharf Family Practice, Sai Medical Practice and Manor Medical.
The second recommendation given the go-ahead was to split site provision at Harden Family Practice and Coalpool Family Practice.
The third recommendation approved was to let Kingfisher Practice’s contract expire allowing patients to register at another nearby GP surgery.
It was also recommended a practice should be retained at the Keys Family Practice and late evening and weekend appointments will be removed from APMS contracts.
Professor Simon Brake, Chief Officer at NHS Walsall CCG said: “A decision on the future of nine GP surgeries in Walsall was made by the CCG’s Governing Body, based on the recommendations given.
"The recommendations to the board were based on feedback from the CCG’s six week Public Consultation earlier this year.”