Anger after patients ‘chucked off’ practice
Around 500 people have been told to find another doctor because the patient list has grown too large and the practice has been unable to find bigger premises.
The move affects patients at the Clarendon Lodge Medical Practice in Clarendon Street who live outside its catchment area of north Leamington, Hunningham, Weston-under-Wetherley and Bubbenhall.
One former patient said she had been looked after by the practice for more than 50 years, including 40 years living out of the catchment area.
The woman, who asked for anonymity, has chronic health problems, and said: “I asked the practice what would happen if I did not move to another doctor and I was told I would be chucked off.
“I feel saddened and angry. When you are ill it’s consistency you want and building up a rapport with your doctor.
“I was never forced to move before but I won’t go back there now even if I move back to that area. The letter was not even signed by my doctor – there was a pp [pro persona, which is Latin and means on behalf of] where the signature should have been.”
Practice manager Stephen Gallagher said: “In order to continue to provide the best service we can to our patients, we have regrettably had to ask patients living outside our practice area to register with a practice nearer to their homes.
“Our practice list size has increased by more than 20% in the last ten years. While we have tried to seek new premises to expand our list size, this has been unsuccessful.
“We understand that some patients may be upset to be asked to register elsewhere and we would be happy to try to address any concerns they may have about changing practices.
“We have liaised with other practices in the area to make them aware of our decision and to ensure continuity of care for the patients affected.”
Speaking for the practice, NHS Arden Commissioning said it was decided that doctors should deal with patients rather than sign the letters.
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Sunday 26 May 2013
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