Plans for GP hubs described as 'very good idea' by residents

Dr Chris Duffy, NHS HMR CCG Chairman and local GP

Plans for four hubs across the borough of Rochdale that would offer extended GP appointments have been deemed a “very good idea” by residents in attendance at a public meeting yesterday evening (Tuesday 27 October).

The Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG) held a meeting to discuss plans for the recommended procurement of Kingsway Medical Practice and Kirkholt Medical Practice, as well as plans that would see four hubs offer extra appointments during evenings and weekends and the introduction of quality standards for all practices.

One resident at the meeting said: “I think what you’re doing is a very good idea.”

The four sites that would be classed as the hubs would be Ashworth Street Surgery in Rochdale, Peterloo Medical Centre in Middleton, Birtle View Medical Practice in Heywood and Littleborough Group Practice.

The practices would be introducing over 750 extra appointments – an increase of 39,000 appointments a year.

The scheme would be a 16-month pilot.

A final decision on the procurement plans for Kirkholt and Kingsway will be made on 24 November and will see the services go out to tender.