What is the proposed change?

Carden Surgery based at County Oak Medical Centre runs a branch surgery New Larchwood Branch Surgery, which will be reducing its opening hours from April 2021. The New Larchwood Branch is not being closed at this time, only reducing the hours it is providing its services for, and all patients will continue to be registered with Carden Surgery.

Under the proposal, from 1 April 2021 the branch will be open for two GP sessions a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays 08:30 – 12:00.

Why are the GP Partners proposing this change?

The GP partners have said the reason for the proposal to reduce their opening hours is to ensure there are GP surgeries serving the local community with good and appropriate clinical care for many years to come.  The catalyst for change is a belief in the importance of safety of having more than one practitioner available, stability and dedicating more time to treating patients.

After discussions between the GP partners and Brighton & Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), it was concluded that it was not sustainable to keep operating for the same amount of hours from the branch site due to staffing, recruitment and lone working.

What do I need to do now?

You do not need to do anything. There is no need for patients registered at either surgery to do anything, as both New Larchwood Branch and Carden Surgery remain open.

It is only a reduction in the number of hours New Larchwood Branch is open for that is changing.  All patients who are currently seen at the New Larchwood surgery will continue to be registered with Carden Surgery. Under the proposal, patients will also still be able to book appointments with their current doctor.

What will the impact of the proposed changes be on patients?

• The plan will mean care continues to be provided to patients from both practice sites, helping ensure they will be able to better plan and meet the healthcare needs of the local population.
• The GP partners have said their driver for change is ensuring there are GP surgeries serving the local community with good and appropriate clinical care for many years to come.
• Patients from the New Larchwood branch surgery will continue to benefit from the longer opening hours at the Carden Surgery.
• Patients will still be able to see their GP from the New Larchwood branch surgery

Will I still be able to see my usual GP?

Patients will have continuity of care – clinical staff currently providing services at New Larchwood will continue to provide those same services from the Carden Surgery site.

I always receive my prescriptions at the pharmacy closest to the New Larchwood Branch, which is ‘Coldean Pharmacy’.  Will anything change if I become a patient at Carden Surgery?

No. The Coldean Pharmacy located across the road of the branch surgery will remain open should you wish to continue using this pharmacy.  Patients will be able to collect prescriptions from the pharmacy, which also provides health advice and support to the local residents.

I have a number of health conditions and am worried about my continuity of care if I become a patient at Carden Surgery. What should I do?

If you have a complex condition, or are a vulnerable patient, we will ensure that, where possible, you will continue to receive care from your current GP.

If you have particular needs, for example if you are hearing impaired and require receptionists to behave in a way that makes it easier for you to lip-read, please mention it to your doctor at your next appointment at Carden Surgery and a note can be added to your records, if this has not already been done.

I find the electronic booking and prescription system useful, as well as the prescription delivery service. Will I still be able to use this at Carden Surgery?

Yes, Carden Surgery also offers these services.  If you currently have your medication delivered, local pharmacies will be informed who will be able to provide this service.

Where is Carden Surgery?

The address is County Oak Medical Centre, Carden Hill, Brighton BN1 8DD. It is a 6 minute drive or 35 minutes’ walk away from the New Larchwood Branch. Please visit their website for more information: www.cardensurgery.co.uk

What type of appointments and services are available at Carden Surgery?

Carden Surgery offers a range of appointments (with male and female practitioners) including:

Is Carden Surgery accessible?

The site has:

• Wheelchair / level access
• Accessible toilet
• Car parking facilities, including blue badge spaces
• Hearing aid loop
• Public transport links – bus stop nearby