Health bosses challenged over 'consultation' on Shropdoc decision

It emerged earlier this month that Shropdoc is set to lose its contract with NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to provide the county's hour of hours GP services.

Health bosses said that a firm called Medvivo has been selected as the preferred provider - with the decision set to be finalised in the coming days.

Medvivo's most recent CQC rating was outstanding in all areas. Shropdoc is also rated as outstanding.

NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin has said it is not able to comment on the decision until the procurement process is completed.

But, the move has been met with concern from county politicians and activists, who have urged decision-makers to pause the process, with more than 4,000 people signing a petition over the issue.

Shropshire Councillor Bernie Bentick has questioned whether enough people were given the chance to voice their opinions on the move, ahead of the decision.

The public were given a three-week period to respond to an online survey between August and September.

An online focus group was also held, with the NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin's own 'engagement report' showing that ten people took part.

The organisation has defended the discussions with the public, saying that because the decision did not involve "a substantive service change" consultation was not a formal requirement.

A spokesman said: "The engagement process was conducted over a three-week period, from 27 August to 17 September. The engagement process included an online focus group and an online survey, which was made available in different formats to ensure accessibility."

It added: "The public was appropriately informed throughout the procurement process, in line with standard engagement practices. Information on the out-of-hours GP procurement and a set of FAQs were published on the website, alongside the engagement report which clearly outlines the process the ICB was undertaking."

But Councillor Bentick said he believed the efforts had not been enough to provide a satisfactory and equal opportunity for people to comment.

He said: "Over a two week period in late August and early September 2024, the ICB ran an online public involvement and consultation on what people wanted from their emergency GP service, which failed to reach those with limited or no access to digital technology."

Councillor Bentick said he questioned the decision to abandon Shropdoc, which has operated as a not-for-profit organisation, and how the new operator will provide a better service.

He said: "The switching of a valuable Shropshire emergency GP service to a company whose principal aim is to provide profit for its directors and shareholders is scandalous and should be paused."

He also queried who will own patient data, saying: "Will electronic records be shared with the local NHS and what happens to patient care if the new company fails?"

NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin has said that while it cannot respond to details of the agreement with Medvivo, patient data protection is a 'fundamental priority'.

A spokesman said: "In accordance with the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) and due to the standstill period, we are unable to comment on specific details of the contract at this stage. However, patient data protection remains a fundamental priority and will continue to be managed in accordance with all relevant data protection laws and regulations."

Councillor Bentick called for the process of awarding the contract to be 'paused', saying the issue is key for public trust in Shropshire's ailing health services. 

He said: "Coming on top of the failure to stop the delays in ambulance and hospital emergency care and delays in reporting of investigations, this is another stark example of Shropshire’s health chiefs’ inability to grasp the issues.

"It deepens the loss of trust from the people of Shropshire, who demand openness and transparency from those making important decisions about healthcare services.

“I’m calling on the ICB to pause this procurement process and review the need for it, the weighting given to quality items in the procurement, to adequately and openly engage with and consult Shropshire residents and the local health watchdogs at an early stage, if the procurement is required, and to ensure that the GP out of hours and related services remain at current, if not better, quality, capacity and funding levels."