1 Brunswick Street, Carlisle CA1 1ED 01228 515808

Recently, you might have read in the local paper that we are thinking about changing the way we provide General Practice in Carlisle. In this newsletter we want to tell you what is happening and why….

There are a number of major factors that lead us to think it is time to develop plans for a better future:

1. Our practice is based on the model that was set up at the beginning of the NHS, some 60 years ago. This model has not kept up with the changes in the needs and expectations of our patients, nor technological developments within medicine.

2. These technological developments would allow us to deliver hospital type services within the practice, if the right facilities were available. For example specialist services for diabetes, resistant high blood pressure, back problems, shared clinics with consultants, ultrasound scans and many others. So as you can see, we could be offering you a lot more.

3. The government want to change the traditional style of GP practice and are keen to support practices who adopt a more modern way of working. They want to see practices take on these new roles previously only provided by hospitals. We should be seizing this opportunity!

The way forward

In order to expand the range of services and introduce new tests or treatments, we need to develop new skills and extend the scope of the practice team.

Other practices in Carlisle face the same challenges. It therefore made sense to us that we should begin exploring these issues with our colleagues. Hence Grosvenor House, Warwick Square, Spencer Steet and Brunswick House surgeries began the current discussions. It struck us that by working together we will each be able to offer more than if we go it alone.

We have also increasingly realised that if we are to achieve the best improvements we should share the same buildings. With a new purpose built facility we can make more use of specialist skills, provide more consultant clinics and share more sophisticated (and expensive) new high tech medical equipment. We believe we can do all this whilst preserving the crucial longstanding doctor patient relationship which we all value so much.

As we begin to put flesh on the bones of our plans, we will want to hear your views. In particular we will want to know what people have valued about the current service and also what you have found to be problematic or disappointing. We will be beginning a consultation process in the very near future so that we can then build on that information during the planning process.

We think there are exciting possibilities to further improve all we have built up in this practice over the years. We believe we must use this opportunity to develop new extended services which could make a significant improvement in what we can do for you and your family.

Below we have tried to answer some immediate questions you might have.

FAQs – frequently asked questions

Where will the new purpose built premises be?
We are currently considering different sites in Carlisle. Emphasis is put on parking facilities and availability of public transport. It is very important to make access for our patients as easy and convenient as possible. No definite decision has yet been made.

Will I be able to see my usual GP or nurse?
The doctor-patient relationship and continuity of care is very important. You will still be able to see your usual GP or nurse. You will also have the opportunity to see a different doctor with special interest or knowledge, depending on you problem. We hope to be able to extend the services we offer.

Can I voice my opinion?
A public consultation will be opened soon. We will keep patients informed of process and news via a regular newsletter. There will be the opportunity to voice you concerns as well as giving us ideas what to improve and what would be important for you. We want this to work for our patients.