As healthcare services continue to evolve, many patients are hearing more about GP practices working together in new ways. We spoke with the executive GPs from West Wirral Group Practice and Marine Lake Medical Practice, two local surgeries preparing to merge and become Links Medical. Dr Syvret, Dr Walkling, Dr Perry and Dr Malpas explain what the change will mean for patients, staff and the wider community.
Why have the two surgeries decided to merge? The decision has not been taken lightly. The executive team has spent months making sure it is the right step for everyone involved. Both surgeries face increasing demand, recruitment challenges and rising operational costs. By coming together, they can combine resources, strengthen the workforce and create a more resilient service while maintaining high quality care.
What benefits will patients see? Patients should benefit from greater access and a wider range of expertise. Both practices already operate a total triage system, and a larger organisation can offer more appointments, specialist clinics and access to professionals including pharmacists, GPs with specialist interests and social prescribers.
West Wirral Group Practice has Dr Braeunling, who offers a Minor Operations service, while Marine Lake Medical Practice has Dr Aldwinckle, who provides this service in West Kirby. By combining expertise, Links Medical hopes to expand the dermatology services available to patients.
Dr Perry at Marine Lake Medical Practice has also established Cheshire and Merseyside’ s Commercial Research Delivery Centre, one of 14 centres funded by the NIHR to improve UK performance in clinical trials. Patients may therefore have opportunities to take part in groundbreaking trials and access interventions not yet available on the NHS.
Will patients still be able to see the doctors and nurses they know? Yes. Continuity of care has been an important part of the merger discussions, and patients will continue to have access to familiar clinicians wherever possible.
There will be a single digital front door through the practice website, while patients will still be able to choose their preferred site. Where possible, they will also be able to request a particular doctor, helping to retain the personal relationships central to general practice.
Will either surgery close? No. Both surgery sites will remain open and operational. The intention is to maintain local access while combining some administrative functions where this improves efficiency. Any significant future changes to premises or service locations would be communicated clearly and well in advance, so patients should feel reassured that the merger does not mean losing their local surgery.
How will the merger affect staff? Staff are a vital part of the process, and the merger is expected to create opportunities for career development, training and collaboration. Larger teams can share expertise and support one another, helping attract and retain healthcare professionals. A staff event at The Little Fox in Thornton Hough gave colleagues from both practices the chance to get to know one another ahead of the merger.
Some patients worry that bigger organisations feel less personal. How do you respond? The practices understand that concern. The aim is to preserve the community focused nature of general practice while gaining the benefits of a larger organisation. By allowing patients to choose which site they attend and, where possible, which doctor they see, Links Medical hopes to maintain the personal touch while improving access and resilience.
Is the merger a response to financial pressures? Financial sustainability is one factor, but it is not the only reason. The primary focus is improving patient care and creating a service that can plan effectively for the long term. Operating as one organisation should make it possible to invest more effectively in services, technology, staff development and patient support rather than continually responding to short term pressures.
What message would you like to give patients? The practices understand that change can raise questions and feel unsettling. They want to reassure patients that the merger is being undertaken with their best interests at heart and with the aim of building a stronger, more sustainable service. Both practices are working with their Patient Participation Groups to make sure the patient voice is represented throughout the process. Drop in sessions are also being held at both sites, giving patients the opportunity to ask questions and learn more. Further details are available on both practice websites.
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