HEALTH AND CARE: Surgery's patients urged to re-register

The CCG is asking patients to help practices cope with increased pressures

In May this year Dr Upile and Dr Mahil informed the NHS Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group that they were resigning from their contract to provide general medical services at the surgery.

All patients that were registered at Highdown received a letter explaining that they needed to re-register with another surgery. They can choose where they want to register as long as they live within the practice’s catchment area.

Sarah Henley, head of primary care said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult for practices to provide the level of care patients have come to expect with all the pressures GP practices face. Add into the mix a practice closure and it adds even more pressure to general practice locally.

“You never want to see a practice close but the continued professionalism and support the other GP practices in Worthing have shown in re-registering the 2,390 patients from Highdown Surgery has been exemplary.”

Any former Highdown patients who haven’t yet registered with a new GP practice are encouraged to contact a practice of their choice so that they continue to see a doctor if they need to.

GP practices across the whole Coastal West Sussex area are having to deal with increasing workloads, financial challenges and a national shortage of GPs and nurses.

We are asking all patients to help our practices cope with these pressures better.

Small changes make a big difference to practices, such as; making sure you order repeat medication on time; willing to share with the reception teams what help you need so you can be directed to the most appropriate member of the medical team; cancelling any unwanted appointments as soon as you can; and using the pharmacies for advice instead of your GP where this is appropriate.

By doing these things you will help your practice survive and thrive.

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