Practices merger offers more choice

Two Shires Medical Practice and Kibworth Medical Centre are set to merge into one practice next month offering patients more choice in access to health services.

The practices’ proposal to merge was approved by East Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group’s (ELRCCG) Primary Care Commissioning Committee (PCCC) following a public consultation led by the practices.

The approved merger from Tuesday 9 April follows a 90-day public consultation undertaken by the two practices. Out of those who responded, 72% were in favour of a merger.

Dr Choudhury, Senior Partner at Kibworth Medical Centre said: “The support we received from our patients in favour of our proposed merger was really encouraging. It demonstrated to us that our patients understand the benefits of a merger and the need for change. The merger will now offer patients more choice in how and where they access GP services.”

Dr Hardman, Senior Partner at Two Shires Medical Practice added: “We would like to thank our patients and stakeholders for taking part in the consultation. We are committed to engaging with our patients and taking on board their comments. The merger will be a very positive step forward for our patients and ensures sustainability for the future.”

In the proposal both practices highlighted how a merger would improve the overall range and quality of services to all patients by providing better access to services, increasing GP availability and continuity of care for patients.

The merger will see services continuing to be provided from the existing surgeries, allowing patients to choose which surgery they would like their appointment, depending on which clinician they wish to see, or which clinic they need to attend.

Further information regarding the merger is available on the practices’ websites, www.kibworth-gps.co.uk  and  www.twoshiresmedicalpractice.co.uk, or from Kirsty Whawell on (0116) 279 3308. The merged practice is going to be called South Leicestershire Medical Group.