Reassurance offered by health bosses after Highley GP contract handed back

Work is underway to prioritise access to General Practice services for local patients and residents, after formal notification was given to end the GP contract at Highley Medical Centre, Bridgnorth.

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, who commission and design GP services across the county, received notification yesterday (Tuesday 15 November 2022) and is now reviewing options to prioritise access to services for those affected. 

Claire Parker, Director of Partnerships and Place at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “I would like to reassure our patients and residents of Highley that extensive work is underway to find a timely and sustainable solution to this situation. 

“Our work will prioritise access to General Practice services for those people affected by this announcement and try to secure an option which remains in Highley. We will be working closely with the practice, and our partners, to consider all options so we can navigate this situation as best we can. 

“Under the terms of the GP contract, Highley Medical Centre is required to provide at least three months’ notice, however they will be extending the notice period to the 31 March 2023, giving us more time to find a resolution.

“We will be sharing regular updates as work progresses to provide as much reassurance as possible at this time.”

Help is available through the Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) by emailing: stw.patientservices@nhs.net. Staff members at Highley Medical Centre are also available to answer any questions.