Health chiefs are holding three events in Brighton and Hove to explain how GP services will work when the government’s NHS reforms take effect.
The events are all due to take place next month and have been organised by Brighton and Hove City Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT).
The PCT – also known as NHS Brighton and Hove – is due to abolished under the changes set out in the Health Bill.
The Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government wants family doctors – GPs – and nurses to have a greater role in commissioning services.
These range from hospital care and mental health support to substance misuse services.
The coalition wants the reforms to save money and some doctors are concerned that some patients will think that they are prescribing the cheapest rather than the most efficient medicines.
The events across Brighton and Hove are expected to answer points like this as well as spelling out
- What changes are planned for Brighton and Hove
- How those changes are likely to affect local services
- How GPs and other clinicians will be more involved in leading the NHS
- How patients and the public can be involved in the work of the NHS – both now and in the future
Amanda Fadero, the PCT chief executive, said: “The NHS is going through a period of considerable change at the moment and we want to keep local people informed about what is planned.
“We hope these public events will help to clarify how local health services will be commissioned in the future and reassure patients that they will still receive the care they need.”
The planned changes include GPs and clinicians, such as GP practice nurses, taking a far more active role in commissioning local health services – from hospital care and mental health support to substance misuse services.
The events are being held on
- Wednesday 16 February from 6pm to 9pm at the Friends Meeting House in Brighton
- Tuesday 22 February from 10am to 1pm at Hove Town Hall
- Tuesday 22 February from 6pm to 9pm at the Valley Social Centre in Whitehawk
The PCT said that places have to be pre-booked as do places at the free crèche which will be available.
To book a place at call 01273 574653 or email lynn.smyth@bhcpct.nhs.uk.
Dr Nick Patton, of Albion Street Surgery in Brighton, and Dr Anne Miners, of the Charter Medical Centre in Davigdor Road, Hove, will speak at the Friends Meeting House.
Dr Tim McMinn, of Sackville Road Surgery, Hove, and Dr Miners will speak at Hove Town Hall.
Dr Emma Stanley, of the Charter Medical Centre in Hove, and Dr Darren Emilianus, of The Ridgway surgery in Woodingdean, will speak at the Valley Centre in Whitehawk.
