Consultation Launched on proposed changes to 7 day access to primary care services in Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield

On Wednesday 7th November 2018, NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG will launch a six week formal public consultation on proposals to change 7-day access to primary care services.

Commissioners want to talk to the public about proposed changes to the GP ‘hubs’, which are GP Practices or groups of practices working together offering additional appointments after 6pm on weekdays and additional appointments on a weekend.

Following public consultation about urgent care services, the CCG introduced nine new ‘extended primary care hubs’ across the area on 1st April 2017.

It was agreed at the time to review the service after six and 12 months which involved engaging with members of the public and local GPs. The review highlighted that the ‘hubs’ were valued but were significantly underused, with the appointments being made available being double the national requirement.

The CCG wants to hear people’s views about their recommendation to deliver the extended primary care service from a reduced number of hubs located in;

• Bishop Auckland (Dales area)
• Spennymoor/Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield (Sedgefield area)
• Peterlee/Seaham (Easington area)

A number of public consultation events have been arranged, where people can find out more about the plans and have their say. The times and dates of  events In East Durham are shown in the table below. If you wish to attend please register by calling 0191 371 3222 or click on the appropriate ‘Register’ link in the table. Other venues outside East Durham are also available.

DateTimeLocalityLocationBooking LinkSat 17th NovWeekend
10am-12noonEasingtonEasington Colliery Club & Institute Ltd
Easington
SR8 3JZ
Register


Thu 29th Nov
6pm-8pm
EasingtonEast Durham College
Willerby Grove
Peterlee
SR8 2RN
Register

Thu 6th Dec
10am-12noon
EasingtonSeaham Town Hall
Stockton Road
Seaham
SR7 7JE
Register

People can complete an online survey at www.haveasay.org.uk  or if they require a hard copy can collect one from a number of local community venues such as GP practices, libraries and also from NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG who are based at Sedgefield Community Hospital.

Further information is also available on the CCG website www.durhamdaleseasingtonsedgefieldccg.nhs.uk