Telford’s local MP, Lucy Allan, recently met with senior partners of Teldoc to discuss their plans to create a GP super-practice in Telford, following concerns raised by residents.
The changes which will result in the closure of Aqueduct Surgery, Lightmoor Surgery and Highfield Clinic, will create more appointment slots and make it easier for patients to book. Currently, the sites due to close are underutilised and are only open two days per week but the organisation is paying for 7 days per week.
Teldoc was created in 2017 when Lawley Medical Practice, Oakengates Medical Practice and Trinity Healthcare merged. The Malinslee clinic currently takes double the amount of appointments than any other GP practice in Telford.
The MP was informed that due to population growth of Telford and Lawley, Teldoc needs to make improvements to deliver the best service for residents. Teldoc’s proposed new care navigation centre will centralise call-handling and reduce the need for patients to make appointments in person at reception, having failed to get through on the phone.
Teldocs informed Ms Allan that appointments from the sites earmarked for closure will be transferred to other sites of Teldoc, with at least an additional 60 extra clinical appointments a day.
Following her visit, Lucy Allan said:
“Having met with Dr Ian Chan Chairman and Medical Director of Teldoc and Dr Rashpal Bhachu Vice Chairman, I can see how their innovative vision will transform access healthcare in Telford for the better. I was really reassured that not only will it be easier to see a GP when you need to but this plan will help to reduce pressure on A&E. This is good news for patients.
“Residents just want to be able to book an appointment and see a GP when they are ill and Teldocs plans will ensure that this is the case. By restructuring their current provision and making the system more efficient, there will be more appointments available and more doctor’s operating 7 days per week.
“We are a rapidly growing new town and we need to be transforming our infrastructure so that capacity is able to meet demand in all aspects of local services.”
