NHS commissioners are launching a six-week listening exercise in Hightown to hear patients’ views about the future delivery of GP services.

The listening exercise for patients of Hightown Village Surgery will run from Monday, April 3 to Friday, May 12.

NHS England, working with NHS South Sefton CCG – the organisations responsible for planning and buying primary care medical services - want to hear patients’ views about options for future services.They will also be asking patients to suggest their own ideas about how services could be delivered in the future.

Hightown Village Surgery is currently run by interim providers whose contracts are due to expire on 31 December 2017. Patient numbers have declined at both practices in recent years.

During the six week listening exercise there will be opportunities for people to share their views through local events, online and via a Freephone telephone number. NHS England has written to all registered patients aged over 13 with information about how to take part.

Patient views will be considered alongside a number of other factors when deciding the future of the practice. These include the likelihood of being able to identify a future provider of services, a transport audit and a survey of the practice's premises.

Anthony Leo, Director for Commissioning at NHS England Cheshire and Merseyside said:

“Our priority is to ensure that people have the best possible patient experience and outcomes through access to a wide range of good quality and safe services delivered by GP practices, which are sustainable in the long term. In order to do this, NHS England must review services to ensure that they continue to meet patients’ needs.

“Hearing the views of patients is an essential part of this process and we will launch a six-week listening exercise in April so that we can hear patients’ own ideas about how GP services could be delivered in the future and to understand the impact of any potential changes.

“The next steps will be determined by the outcome of this initial listening exercise. If we are able to maintain a local, sustainable solution that secures improved services there will be no need for further engagement. However, if this is not possible it is likely we will develop options for formal consultation with patients and the wider community later in the year.”

If you have any questions about the listening exercise, you can email info@ha.global or phone 0800 0448169.

Hightown Village Surgery listening exercises 

St Stephen's Church Hall, Hightown 

• Monday 10 April 2017; 1.30-3.30pm; 4-6pm 
• Tuesday 18 April 2017; 1-3pm; 3.30-5.30pm, 6.30-8.30pm 
• Monday 24 April 2017; 11.30-1.30pm; 2.30-4.30pm; 6.30pm-8.30pm