THE new provider of GP services in Hailsham has spoken about the challenges and opportunities facing primary care after welcoming Sussex Weald MP Nusrat Ghani to one of the town’s surgeries.
Manor Park Surgery in Polegate, part of Vita Healthcare, took over responsibility for around 11,000 patients previously registered with Hailsham Medical Group in April. The practice now operates services from Seaforth Farm Surgery and Vicarage Field Surgery in Hailsham.
The change followed a decision by NHS Sussex to appoint a new provider after concerns were raised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) about the previous operator. At the time, NHS Sussex said patients would not need to re-register, with services continuing from the existing surgery premises while records were transferred automatically.
Mrs Ghani visited Seaforth Farm Surgery to meet GP partners and members of the new medical team to discuss how the transition is progressing, along with the wider pressures facing general practice.
Vita Healthcare provides GP services across East Sussex and now cares for more than 50,000 patients, including those registered with the Hailsham surgeries.
Speaking after the visit, Mrs Ghani said: “I was pleased to visit Seaforth Farm Surgery to meet some of the GP partners and medical staff to get an update on the services provided in Hailsham.
“I recognise the significance of this transition for local residents and appreciate the huge efforts of the whole team while also managing rising demand and adapting to ongoing pressures within general practice.
“Easy access to the NHS is particularly important in rural communities such as ours in Sussex Weald and I have regular catch ups with the leaders of our local NHS Trusts, GP practices and medical centres on service provision locally and to ensure residents have access to safe, high-quality care.”
NHS Sussex appointed Manor Park Surgery following a competitive selection process involving six bids from local GP providers. The organisation said bringing in a new provider would help secure the long-term future of primary care services in Hailsham while maintaining services from the existing Seaforth Farm and Vicarage Field surgery sites.
The integrated care board has previously confirmed it will continue working with the new provider and monitor progress as the practice becomes established in Hailsham.
