Discussions over future of minor injuries unit at Halesworth surgery
Minor injuries unit at Cutlers Hill surgery - Credit: Archant
Initial discussions are taking place regarding the future of a minor injuries unit (MIU) in Halesworth.
Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey has hit out at the possibility of a reduction in patients being seen at the Cutlers Hill surgery in the town.
However, a statement from the Great Yarmouth and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said that opening discussions with the practice have taken place, but no decisions have yet been made.
Melanie Craig, chief officer with the CCG, said: 'I have spoken directly to Annette Abbott, one of the GP partners from Cutlers Hill surgery earlier this week and we had a very good conversation.
'I have said that I am going to personally go and visit Halesworth to see what they offer the local community.
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'I was very impressed with the service that the GPs currently offer and I would want the CCG to do what we can to support the practice to maintain the excellent care that they provide to local people in the town, this includes the minor injuries service.'
The Cutlers Hill surgery is based at the Patrick Stead Hospital site.
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Dr Coffey said: 'This is another blow to patients in Halesworth and surrounding villages, already let down by failure of East Coast Community Healthcare and the CCG to provide the services promised as part of reorganisation which was supposed to improve patient care.'
She added: 'My patience is wearing thin and I'm following up with East Coast Community Healthcare, the CCG and Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt for answers.'
Any changes would follow the recent closure of the MIU based at Beccles Hospital.
The CCG commissioned the Beccles Medical Practice to provide a minor injuries service for registered patients and temporary residents as of February 6.
A statement from the CCG said they carried out the decision following a review which showed that usage of the Beccles Hospital MIU was low and 56pc of patients were registered with Beccles Medical Practice.
They felt that the new agreement with the practice would provide better value for money.
What do you think? Email kieran.lynch@archant.co.uk
