On Friday morning Jeremy Quin and I met up with Vincent from Modality and Dr Sharon, one of the Doctors from the GP group for around 2 hours.
I will sharing further details shortly when we get confirmed feedback from them and NHS Sussex on the formal actions they are taking and on how they are bringing in further resources to support the surgeries in our constituency’s.
NHS Sussex were also present and Jeremy and I will be meeting with them again separately this coming Friday..
It was a rather tense meeting to start, full of honesty where we put forward the wide ranging ongoing deep concerns of our constituents across along with our MP casework team.
It was conducted in the spirit of cooperation and learning with thoughts and insights designed to make sure the services and experiences are improved to those needing GP help and to assist those on the frontline who are managing this very difficult situation.
We all have to acknowledge delays and waits in other parts of the NHS system adds to the weight of need and this is of course must be recognised has exacerbated this situation.
All improvements and catching up in all parts of health the system will assist those in the surgeries to manage demand much better. However it’s clear this group is sincerely struggling more than others.
I again ask that all concerned about lack of access and appointments - please be polite and kind to those listening on the phone and on the frontline and that we continue to understand those who are there are truly doing their best while the resources and the processes are improved and boosted to assist them and to deliver the patient services we all want and need for our local communities.
They shared with us both an outline improvement plan they are working on plus indicative timescales for this which we hope to bring forward here and on our website’s in an understandable way once it’s agreed and refined further.
When I have more I can formally pass on I will share it. Meanwhile be assured Jeremy and I are giving this our very fullest attention and those concerned be be advised we will be following this step by step so the patient experiences improve and trust and confidence is back for all and that the outcome match the efforts staff are making and we are in a realm of confidence once again for these surgeries which are doing so much but not currently able to satisfy the concerns.
Statement on Modality from NHS Sussex:
‘We were really pleased to meet with Jeremy Quin and Mims Davies on Friday 5th May to talk about the concerns being raised by Modality patients, the steps being taken to improve the situation, and the further action that is being planned. We are taking all of the feedback extremely seriously and have taken time to read all that has been shared with us collectively and ensure we are clear on the areas that patients are concerned about. We discussed with our MPs the actions that are already being taken and additional plans, both short and longer term, and this will be shared with patients by the end of the month with a range of opportunities for local people to meet with us, talk through the plans, and help to shape further solutions.
ENDS
They also confirm in their email ‘they will be working at pace to bring together the communications to share with patients, the public and wider community and will ensure we share these with you both and timescales, as well as the actual material.
This will include the specifics of actions, and the ongoing action plan with timescales.’
I will keep constituents updated as I hear more.