Unity Healthcare

Unity Healthcare and Glemsford Surgery are merging on 3 December.

What is changing?

• The two practices will work together as one practice from 3 December.
• Glemsford Surgery, previously managed by West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, will be managed by Suffolk GP Federation.

What is staying the same?

• Both surgeries will stay open.
• You will still be able to have face-to-face appointments where appropriate.
• You remain registered with your practice. You do not need to do anything.
• Existing Unity Healthcare patients can be reassured that day-to-day services stay the same. Nothing changes to how you use the practice. Please continue to contact us in the usual way. You do not need to take any action.

How this helps Glemsford patients

§  Access to a wider range of health professionals (for example GPs, nurses, clinical pharmacists and others)

§  Over time, we aim to provide quicker access and more appointment options.

A message from the Clinical Leads

§  Dr David Brandon, Clinical Lead at Unity Healthcare, said:

“By joining our teams, we can offer patients a wider choice of health professionals and make it easier to get the care they need. Unity patients will continue to use the practice as they do now, and we expect the merger to further strengthen services for everyone.”

§  Dr Melissa St Ledger, Clinical Lead at Glemsford Surgery, said:

“We understand that change can be worrying. Glemsford Surgery will stay open, and patients will still be able to see a GP or other healthcare professional at the surgery.

Working with Suffolk GP Federation will help us keep local GP services strong and give patients access to a broader team.”

Online consultations – moving back to eConsult (Glemsford patients)

From 3 December, Glemsford will return to using eConsult for online requests, instead of Anima.

·        You can start an eConsult from the practice website: https://www.glemsfordsurgery.co.uk/.

·        Use it to ask for advice, request help for a new or ongoing problem, or get administrative support (e.g. fit notes, test results).

·        You don’t need to download an app. Just complete the short online form and we’ll review it and let you know the next steps.

·        This remains the most efficient way to access our services, but if you are unable to use online forms, you can call the surgery or speak to reception as usual.

Meet the team – Glemsford patient event

A patient engagement event will be held for Glemsford patients to:

§  meet Suffolk GP Federation colleagues and Glemsford staff

§  hear more about how the new arrangements will work

§  ask questions and share any concerns

Details of this event (date, time and venue) will be shared on the practice website, on posters in the surgery and via text/letter where appropriate once confirmed.

How to ask questions or give feedback

Patients from both Unity Healthcare and Glemsford Surgery who have questions or would like to share feedback can:

Email: sgpfed.glemsfordunity@nhs.net        

Speak to reception: ask any member of the reception team when you contact the surgery

If you need this information in large print or another format, please let us know.

Thank you for your support as we make these improvements.