Practice closure: Grove Medical Practice, Timperley

Following the departure of Dr D Shah, a caretaking arrangement began in which the practice was temporarily looked after by Delamere Medical Practice. This will now come to an end on Saturday 30 September.

NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care and neighbouring Trafford GP practices have worked closely together to try to find a solution to continue to provide safe patient services at the practice. All possible alternative options have been explored, but it has not been possible to find a way to provide a permanent service at the practice.

All patients who live within neighbouring Trafford practice boundaries will be automatically moved to a nearby Trafford practice close to their home, and we have been in contact with patients by letter dated 25 August to advise them of the practice closure and keep them updated of this. They were sent a second letter on 5 September to advise of the practice they will transfer to.   They will become patients of their new practice on Sunday 1 October.

We are aware there have been delays with Royal Mail and some patients have not yet received their letter confirming which GP practice they are allocated.  Therefore on Wednesday 13 September, we texted patients who have shared their mobile number with the practice, to advise which practice they will transfer to.

A small number of patients living outside of the neighbouring Trafford practice boundaries have been asked to register with a practice nearer to their permanent residence. They have been sent a letter advising them how to do this.

Information about the practice closure is available on Grove Medical Practice website and a copy of the patient letter and Question and Answer briefing is available in the practice reception area.

We have asked patients not to attempt to register at another practice before 31 October. This is recommended to ensure that their medical records have been safely transferred to their new practice.

Patients who have medications on repeat prescriptions have been asked to check they have sufficient supplies as home, ahead of the changes. If they require more, they should contact Grove Medical Practice or their pharmacy before their move to a new practice.

Those patients eligible for the free NHS flu vaccination, will be contacted by Grove Medical Practice to advise how to book a flu vaccination.

Staff currently employed by the practice will be supported to find alternative employment in neighbouring practices.

Press release courtesy of Greater Manchester Integrated Care