We wanted to update you with some important news regarding the future of Emsworth Medical Practice. After thorough evaluation and careful consideration, the GP Partners at the practice have arrived at the decision to propose the closure of the Westbourne Branch Surgery located at The Square, Westbourne PO10 8UE.

We understand that this news may come as a surprise and may raise concerns, so we want to provide you with a detailed explanation of the reasoning behind this decision and how it supports the long-term future of Emsworth Medical Practice for both the practice and you as our patients.

Why now?

We now have the benefit of our main site, a £4.4 million, modern, fully equipped, purpose-built building in Emsworth located only 1.3 miles from the Westbourne Branch Surgery.

We have the latest medical equipment needed at the Emsworth site which isn’t replicated at the smaller branch surgery.

We benefit from having the whole practice team at the Emsworth site, which includes our GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Health Care Assistants and Phlebotomists and office staff all working from the same building.

In addition to the practice team, we also have our Primary Care Network (PCN) team working from the main site at Emsworth and they include the Pharmacy team, a Physio, Mind workers and Midwife so that all patient services can be delivered from one site.

When?

The proposed date of closure is 27th June 2025.

Future proofing a modern General Practice

The Westbourne Branch Surgery is being used less and less. The daily footfall to Westbourne Surgery has reduced significantly over the years and it is now only open in the mornings, Monday – Friday, usually with just one GP and a nurse working from the site.

A large proportion of the GP’s morning work is now dealing with telephone and online consultations and therefore fewer patients are being seen face to face at the Westbourne premises. Most patients, if needing to be seen following a phone call or online consultation with the GP, are booked an appointment at the Emsworth premises either on the same afternoon or on a future date. The GPs prefer to see patients at our Emsworth premises where they have access to all of the latest equipment plus the interaction and skills of other team members to draw upon, if necessary, which is much safer for patients.

We often have comments from our patients about difficulties with parking in Westbourne. In Emsworth there are several pay and display car parks, one being right next door to the Practice.

There are three disabled parking bays at the front of the Emsworth building.

The practice loans out wheelchairs to help those patients who are less mobile when attending the surgery.

All of the rooms are very accessible and there is also a lift in the building.

Our vision

Our vision for the future is to have the entire Emsworth Medical Practice team working from one location which will be more effective, efficient and safer for patients.

We want to hear from you

We understand that any change may raise concerns and we are committed to providing transparent communication and support throughout this process. We value the trust and confidence you have placed in us, and we remain dedicated to serving you with compassion, integrity, and excellence in healthcare.

If you have any comments / concerns / queries please contact us either through the link on the page about the Westbourne Surgery closure on our website, www.emsworthmedical.co.uk or by email at hiowicb-hsi.westbourneproposal@nhs.net or write to us at The Westbourne Surgery Liaison Team, Emsworth Medical Practice, North Street, Emsworth, Hants PO10 7DD.

Next steps

If you would like to come and meet with us and ask us any questions about the proposal, we will be holding two public engagement events at the Emsworth Community Centre.

•           Monday 14th April 25 in the Lumley Room, 5.30pm – 7pm

•           Tuesday 15th April 25 in the Mountford Rooms, 1 & 2, 12.30pm – 2pm

The practice needs to submit the proposal to the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) for consideration at the Hampshire Primary Care Delivery Group meeting in May.

As a part of this application, the ICB will require evidence of effective engagement with patients, stakeholders and the wider community including details of views and feedback received and the response of the Practice to all feedback.

Once a decision is made, we will share the outcomes and next steps.

We know change can bring a level of uncertainty, but we also hope it can bring a level of security by futureproofing our services as we transition to providing a more responsive, modern General Practice.

Sincerely,

Dr A Slingsby & Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

What change is being proposed?

To close the branch site of Emsworth Medical Practice, which is located at The Square, Westbourne PO10 8UE.

Why is this change being proposed?

Since our move into our new premises, Emsworth Medical Practice benefits from of a modern, fully equipped purpose-built building located only 1.3 miles from the Westbourne Branch Surgery. The branch site only opens in the mornings and attendance at this site has been reducing over the years. We have the latest medical equipment needed at the Emsworth site which isn’t replicated at the smaller branch surgery. Patients and staff benefit by having the whole practice team at the Emsworth site.

Will the practice still offer the same services?

Yes, we plan to continue all current services and there will be no reduction in capacity. You can continue to contact us in the same way you do now via online services, phone or walk in.

Will I still be able to see the GP or nurse I am used to seeing?

Yes, you can continue to see the same doctors and nurses that you see now. Your registration and your current doctor will not change.

Will I need to change my Pharmacy?

No, there will be no need to change your pharmacy. As your prescriptions are sent electronically, you can go to any pharmacy you choose.

Will these changes affect other health and care services which I currently receive or may need to access?

We do not anticipate that there will be any changes to the services you currently receive or may need to access in future.

Will there be less of a service as a result of closing the Westbourne Surgery?

No, all of the services currently offered at Westbourne will continue to be offered at the Emsworth site and there will be no reduction in capacity.

Is there parking at the Emsworth site and how accessible is the surgery?

There is ample parking in public car parks in Emsworth, one car park is situated immediately next door to the Emsworth Practice.

There are 3 disabled parking bays at the front of the Emsworth building.

The Practice loans out wheelchairs to help those patients who are less mobile.

The premises is modern and therefore all rooms are very accessible.

There is also a lift in the building.

Is there public transport to the Emsworth site?

There is a limited bus service 2 hourly from the Southleigh Road roundabout to the Emsworth Baptist Church, opposite the surgery, which takes 5 minutes.

The Ems Valley Community Transport is a charitable organisation which has volunteers to transport those who find it difficult to get to doctors / dentist / hospital appointments.

There is also the Bourne Community Bus which runs between Westbourne and Emsworth 3 days a week between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

There are also alternative providers who offer lifts at reduced rates.

We will make all of the above information available if the Westbourne surgery closes.

How do I contact the practice if I have further questions?

If you have any questions or feedback, you can contact us by emailing hiowicb-hsi.westbourneproposal@nhs.net , or via the link on our website, www.emsworthmedical.co.uk or by writing to the Westbourne Surgery Liaison Team, Emsworth Medical Practice, North Street, Emsworth PO10 7DD.

What is the timescale of this proposed closure?

The application is due to be submitted to the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) Hampshire Primary Care Delivery Group meeting in May.

Once a decision is made, the practice will communicate the outcome.

What is NHS HIOW ICB?

NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is the Integrated Care Board and replaced the previous Clinical Commissioning Groups. The Integrated Care Board manages the local NHS budget and plans services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The Emsworth site is open from 8am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday. Telephone number 01243 378812

The Emsworth Medical Practice 20th March

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