We are delighted to announce our intention to merge Granta Medical Practices and Royston Health Centre to create a single practice and patient list across all our sites. The practices will come together to build on the existing practice strengths, pooling clinical and administrative teams to offer greater resilience and a wider choice of services to our patients. The aim of this is to provide a more stable model for delivering care within Royston specifically. Both Practices have been sharing their values and commitment to high quality clinical care over the past year and now believe a full merger will help to provided improved access and choice for our patients.
The same doctors, practice nurses and staff will still be part of the new merged team. You will be able to see your chosen doctor as usual. The same principles of quality and personal care will continue to be uppermost in the new partnership but our aim is to enhance services and flexibility whilst ensuring stability for our patients. An enlarged organisation also allows us to improve access to services.
The practices are very enthusiastic about the new partnership and we will be working closely over the coming months to integrate systems and combine processes. However, our main priority is to ensure a seamless transition for our patients and minimise any disruption.
We see this as an opportunity for us to build a secure future for our two practices. For our patients, it will mean a proactive practice able to manage and navigate the challenges of the NHS and offer the best for our patients with excellent resources.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Granta Medical Practices or Royston Health Centre:
Sandra East, Head of Patient Services, via email sandra.east@nhs.net or by post c/o Sawston Health Centre, London Road, Sawston, CB22 3HU.
Melanie Piggott, Practice Manager, via email melanie.piggott@nhs.net or by post The Health Centre Practice, Melbourn Street, Royston, SG8 7BS.
We will aim to respond to any questions/comments within 10 working days of receipt.
Below please find some answers to questions you may have. Feel free to contact us if you have any other query that is not covered by the answers below.
“Why are the practices merging?”
General Practice has been under significant pressure over the last few years and in Royston we have not be exempt from this. Our objective is to provide stability to ensure we can offer outstanding care for all our patients. We believe that the most effective way to further develop our patient services and care for our communities is to complete a full merger. Over the past year, both practices have been working collaboratively and feel that now is the right time to combine our excellence and expertise.
“When will this merger happen?”
It is anticipated that the merge will take place by 1st April 2023, subject to all regulatory approvals and following a period of engagement with patients and all the staff who are employed by both GP practices.
“What will each location be called after the merger?”
We will continue to operate from our current locations within Linton, Sawston, Shelford, Barley, Market Hill and Royston Health Centre and will identify our locations using these names. They will all operate under the Granta name to highlight the connecting of the practices.
“Will surgery telephone numbers change?”
We are upgrading telephone systems and will communicate any changes, if they happen, well in advance.
“Will I still be able to make an appointment to see my usual GP or Nurse?
Yes. We value the one-to-one relationships our patients have with our clinicians. It is expected that the merger will further increase our ability to provide our patients with access to other highly skilled local doctors and nurses in the event that your usual doctor or nurse is absent from work.
We aim to reduce the use of locum GPs to provide patients with continuity of care.
“Could I request an appointment at another Granta surgery?”
Yes, patients will have access to book an appointment with any doctor or nurse at any Granta surgery. Our aim is to provide better access to appointments and services.
“Will my usual surgery opening times stay the same?”
Yes, we are not currently anticipating any changes to our core opening times. We also expect to be able to improve and extend our opening times for all our patients.
“Will the intended merger affect any treatment or medication I am currently receiving?”
Absolutely not. Any current treatments, medications, investigations and/or referrals will not be affected by our intentions to merge.
“Will any service that is currently offered by my usual surgery be removed or stopped?”
No. In fact, we anticipate that this merger will bring about a greater choice of services.
“Will the practice continue to have a Patient Participation Group?”
We will work with PPG members from both practices and hope to take this opportunity to form one Patient Group. We would encourage any patient who would be interested to join our Group.
“Why merge? If the practices do not merge, what will the future of healthcare in Royston look like?”
General Practice is seeing a substantial increase in demand, coupled with fewer doctors choosing a career in primary care. In order to ensure we can continue to provide a high standard of care that is sustainable for the future, the partners at both practices believe this merger needs to take place.
“Who makes the final decision? Is it already a ‘given’ that it will go ahead?”
The practices are currently at the proposal stage. After everyone has been informed of the plans and given the chance to give feedback, the practices will produce a final report to be submitted to the Commissioners. When a final decision has been made we will update all staff and communicate this to our patients.
“Will my feedback be listened to?”
Yes. We really value the input our patients and can contribute to this process. We are trying to provide the best possible service to meet our patient and community needs so your views and feedback are important to us.
