Three new GP practices for Calderdale
Access to GP practices in Calderdale is set to improve following the award contracts to provide three new GP practices in Calderdale.
Provided by Assura Leeds LLP, a partnership between 26 local GP practices and leading healthcare provider Assura Medical, the contracts were awarded by NHS Calderdale following an open competition and ends a two year nationally funded programme to open five new GP practices in the borough.
In 2008 Calderdale was identified by the Department of Health as one of the ‘least well’ served districts for GPs in the country. During 2009 NHS Calderdale ran a large scale consultation called ‘Practice Plus’. Over 2,000 residents took part and their feedback was included in the design of the service
The first of the next three practices will open in Rosemount Estate, Elland in late September with the practices in Sowerby Bridge and North Halifax open by the end of the year. Calder Community Practice in Todmorden and Park Community Practice in West Central Halifax were opened as part of phase 1 of the programme in 2009.
Dr Ken McGechaen, a local GP and chair of Assura Leeds LLP, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this new contract and look forward to working with NHS Calderdale.
"As well as the benefit of extended opening hours, we will provide our patients with a full range of health services. We look forward to welcoming new patients to the practices and working in the local community to improve health.”
Rob Webster, chief executive of NHS Calderdale, said: “There is evidence that good access to a GP means better health.
“These extra practices will help ensure that this is the case across Calderdale. They will give people more options and reduce pressure on existing practices. I am pleased to be working with Assura Leeds and I am confident they will provide a high quality accessible service.”
All three practices will be open by December 2010.
ENDS
Press enquiries:
Russell Elliott, Assura Medical. Tel: 020 7107 3833
Stephanie Ryan, NHS Calderdale. Tel: 01422 281 467
Notes to the editor
Assura Leeds LLP
- Is a 50:50 joint venture partnership between Assura Medical and 26 GP practices.
- It is a local organisation which is a long-term, collaborative partnership between Assura Medical and more than 121 local GPs to provide community based services which offer patients an additional choice.
- Assura Leeds is owned 50:50 by the GP practices and Assura Medical and is run by a clinical management board (CMB) which comprises three local GPs, a practice manager, a business director and an Assura Medical representative. Assura Medical provides all the necessary support in the way of funding, service and commercial expertise, IT, business processes and additional resources.
- As a partner to the NHS, Assura Medical has a track record of forming partnerships with groups of GPs in order to provide high quality and safe healthcare services in primary and community settings closer to the patient’s home.
NHS Calderdale
- NHS Calderdale is the main NHS body responsible for healthcare and health improvement for people living in the district. NHS Calderdale commissions - that is plans and pays for – any health services you might need. This includes hospitals, ambulances, mental health and other specialist services. NHS Calderdale also agrees contracts with local GPs, dentists, pharmacists and optometrists to deliver high-quality services for local people.