We have had some responses to the article on “Changes to nine GP practices in Walsall”. In the main concerns were being expressed by people who use the Kingfisher Practice in Bentley Medical Centre.

It was obvious from what they said that they had not been aware of the consultation that took place between July and early September last year. I completely understand how they feel. They are being affected by a decision based on findings from consultation that they know nothing about which suggests that Walsall NHS Clinical Commissioning Group need to reflect on their consultation practices. There are lessons here for other agencies delivering services to the public across the borough.

If you are affected by any of the changes you can get full details on Walsall CCG’s website. https://walsallccg.nhs.uk/be-involved/engagement-consultation/your-health-your-future-public-consultation-outcome. This is what can be found on the Kingfisher Patient Link. Hope this helps:

Following the public consultation, which ran between 26 July and 9 September 2017, Kingfisher Practice in Bentley Medical Centre, Walsall will close on Saturday 31 March, 2018. This means if you are registered with Kingfisher Practice you will need to register with another GP.

Patients have the right to choose a GP practice that best suits your needs which can be done via NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4

A list of GP practices within a 1½ mile radius of Kingfisher Practice can be found here, but you can see more practices on the link above – enter your postcode and the search will bring up a list of practices near to where you live.

From 1 April 2018, there will be two GP practices operating from Bentley Medical Centre which are Berkley Practice and Stroud Surgery.

If you have not registered with a new GP practice before 31 March, 2018 you will automatically transfer to either Berkley or Stroud. This is to ensure your medical records are transferred to another GP practice; it will not take away your right to register with another GP practice of your choice.

When you have found a practice you like, you will have to formally register with it as an NHS patient by completing a registration form which the new practice will provide you with. When you have completed and returned the form, NHS England will transfer your medical records to your new practice and write to you to confirm your registration as a patient with that practice.

If you have any queries regarding this letter please contact Senior Commissioning Manager, Carol Marston at NHS Walsall CCG on 01922 618399.

Content published and promoted by Roy Sheward on behalf of Dan Barker (Liberal Democrats) all at 144 Redhouse Lane, Walsall, WS5 0DB