"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change." Charles Darwin

A big thank you to all who responded to our request for views on a possible surgery relocation.

The results of all your letters, comments and e-mails have been analysed and placed in a report which will go to the PCT and be posted on the practice website.

Summary of evidence from the practice survey:

The 384 members of the Patient Participation Group were asked by email and through the blog to respond to a qualitative survey regarding the possible practice relocation to the Eden Park area. We received 54 responses by email and 11 written responses. (17.6% response rate). The overwhelming majority (49 respondents) were positive about the move and only 6 opposed it.

Responses were very affirming of the style of practice that the surgery delivers “we would want the surgery to keep the professional but friendly family practice atmosphere with a personal touch that exists today” four of the responses expressed concern that moving the practice would change the “style of the practice”

Thirteen respondents were explicit in staying that moving practice would allow an improvement in facilities including reception and staff facilities. Nine respondents suggested that the move would also improve parking facilities. It was also recognised by two respondents that moving would improve disabled access.

There were specific concerns raised that the move may be detrimental, thirteen respondents suggested that bus access would be more difficult and this would affect those who did not drive. Three respondents were concerned that there would be no pharmacy close to the proposed new location while a further three were concerned that the practice catchment are might change and exclude them.

Respondents offered practical suggestions about re-routing existing bus routes to facilitate access to the new site. This builds on a longstanding campaign to improve bus access to the Princess Royal University Hospital from West Wickham.

Four respondents were concerned that moving to a new larger practice may change the personal approach and ease of access to the doctors currently experienced. 

As a result of the findings we have begun to formulate an action plan:

• It has been suggested that we engage with the local Residents Association to support their existing campaign to re-route a local bus route. This would improve access to the local district general hospital for residents of West Wickham as well as serving the possible new practice premises.
• The possibility of developing a contract with a local taxi company to provide subsidised access to the surgery for elderly and infirm patients will be explored
• It is hoped that further developing the uptake of electronic prescribing will reduce the concerns around the lack of a local pharmacy near the proposed new premises.
• We wish to reassure all our patients that have no plans to change our boundary or to exclude any existing patient should the move happen.

 Further discussions with our patients will allow these plans to be developed further.

Thank you again for your help and views.