We have provided an update on Drybrook Surgery to registered patients and community partners and have outlined the options that we are exploring.
Mitcheldean Surgery agreed to temporarily take over the provision of primary care services in Drybrook in December 2022 for a six month period.
Since then, the Mitcheldean Surgery team have worked really hard with the existing Drybrook staff to provide a good service for patients.
Helen Goodey, Director of Primary Care and Place at NHS Gloucestershire said:
“We are really grateful for all the help and support from the Mitcheldean team who stepped up to provide a solution at a time when we needed them the most.
Unfortunately, Mitcheldean Surgery have confirmed that they are not able to continue to provide services at Drybrook Surgery after 1 June 2023, so we are currently considering the potential solutions for GP services for the patients of Drybrook Surgery after this date.”
GP Partner at Mitcheldean Surgery, Dr Paul Weiss, said:
“I would like to thank our dedicated practice team and their commitment to patient care for their excellent work since December last year.
It was a difficult decision, but for the right reasons, we have decided not to continue to provide primary care services to patients at Drybrook Surgery after 1 June 2023.
We are grateful to NHS Gloucestershire for looking at options for the future to ensure that patients continue to receive high quality care.”
NHS Gloucestershire has confirmed that it is considering all viable solutions.
It has written to all Gloucestershire practices to see if there is any local interest in taking over the Drybrook Surgery contract, either on a short-term, ‘caretaker’ basis, as part of a branch surgery model or as a longer-term standalone contract. This process will inform the overall decision making process which will take into account a range of factors.
It is also seeking feedback from patients at Drybrook Surgery to inform its decision making process and is committed to keeping patients fully updated with progress.
This includes being open and transparent with patients about the possibility of Drybrook Surgery closing as this is one of the potential options that will be considered should it not be possible to find any other viable solution.
Helen Goodey added:
“We really understand the importance of these services to the local population and we will carefully consider all the comments received from patients and take these fully into account when making our decision.
I would like to thank patients for their support during these challenging times and provide reassurance that we will keep them up to date with progress.”
Patients have been invited to send their feedback to NHS Gloucestershire.