'We're not looking for spare pounds behind the sofa' - Telford doctor says as Shropdoc decision officially challenged
The decision to stop using Shropdoc as the county’s out of hours GP provider has been officially challenged.
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The co-operative organsation – made up of a number of GPs – has been providing a range of services to patients and clinicians across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin since 1996.
However, earlier this month, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin announced that it ‘intended to award’ the contract to Wiltshire-based company, Medivo.
The decision has been met with a lot of anger, with Shropshire Defend our NHS arranging a meeting with residents within days. A petition that has been set up to reverse the decision has already been signed by more than 12,000 people, while a letter has also been sent to Health Secretary, Wes Streeting.
Health chiefs at the Integrated Care Board (ICB) say its decision has nothing to do with making financial cuts and there’s been a lot of ‘misinformation’.
“We are not looking for spare pounds from behind the sofa,” said Dr Lorna Clarson, chief medical officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. "It is on the high quality of care.”
Any of the six bidders for the contract had until midnight on Friday (February 14) to challenge the decision, including Shropdoc.
The ICB has confirmed it has received representation in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime (PSR), resulting in an extension of the standstill period.
“It’s important to note that this extension does not signal a pause in the re-procurement process,” said a spoksperson for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
“Representation is a key component of the PSR and the legal framework that underpins this process.
“From the very beginning, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has been committed to delivering a high-quality, value-for-money out-of-hours service that meets the needs of our local communities.
“The service specification remains unchanged, and the re-procurement is not a cost-cutting measure. It will continue to be a locally provided service, staffed by local clinicians, with face-to-face appointments forming a core element and remaining available at the out-of-hours bases and via home visits.
“Commissioners are currently reviewing representation and will provide further guidance on next steps as soon as possible.”
More information on the process can be found on the General Practice (GP) Out of Hours Service section of the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin website.
