Herefordshire GP surgeries merge: teething problems inevitable

Ryeland Surgery, the new name for the merged Marches and Westfield surgeries in Leominster, became "fully operational" on April 25.

But bosses have warned there will "undoubtedly be some teething problems" and patients are told to be patient as these are worked out.

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The project, which comes ahead of a new medical centre being built near the A44 in Leominster, is the result of months of preparation, with months more work ahead.

In an update to patients, the new surgery, currently based in Westfield Walk, said: "Our mantra has been that we want Ryeland Surgery to offer a better service than either The Marches Surgery or Westfield Surgery before it.

"There will undoubtedly be some teething problems and we ask for your patience if these arise.

"One of our key priorities is to maintain continuity of care, so that you can continue to see and talk to your regular GP and nurse whenever possible.

"All our patients have a named or 'usual; GP and these will remain unchanged except that former patients of Dr Clare Cathcart will now be with Dr Giles Dawnay (who joined us in March). Dr Clare Cathcart retired at the end of March."

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The surgery which has a team of 40 clinicians, also has a new management structure for the practice and has created new teams to support.

This includes a care navigation team to take calls and direct patients to the best clinician, a patient services team to meet patients at reception and offer guidance and assistance), a prescriptions team, a data team, a practice support/IT team and a secretarial team.

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The branch surgery at Bodenham will continue to operate as now.

The new centre, in Porters Mill Close, will be purpose built for the current and future needs of primary care services.

It will provide accommodation for the growing and diverse primary care team in Leominster and will allow more services to be delivered to the local population.