East Barnwell Health Centre prepares for management change in October 2024

News - 13 June 2024

We understand that patients have significant concerns about the recent developments at East Barnwell Health Centre. Rest assured, the practice will continue to provide GP services and medical care, despite the current management partnership handing back their contract on 9 October 2024.
Four people sitting in a surgery waiting room. Three are reading and one is using their mobile phone.

In response, NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB has confirmed its commitment to ensuring the ongoing delivery of general practice services at East Barnwell. The practice will remain open and continue to serve patients, albeit with a new management team in place in due course.

To ensure a smooth transition, the ICB will initiate an open procurement process, adhering to national NHS guidelines. This process will invite bids from suitably qualified and interested GP providers to offer NHS primary care services at East Barnwell Health Centre starting 10 October 2024.

The ICB is dedicated to ensuring all patients continue to have access to GP services and care. They will engage with East Barnwell’s patients and the wider local community throughout the procurement process. This includes working closely with the practice, local community groups, and the Integrated Neighbourhood team to explore ways for local patient representatives to participate in the procurement and evaluation of prospective providers.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire will be in touch with the surgery to support effective two-way communication between the ICB and patients. This ensures that patient voices are heard and considered throughout this process.  

The CEO at Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Jess Slater, stated: "We understand the anxiety and uncertainty that changes in healthcare management can cause for patients. Healthwatch is committed to bridging the communication gap between the ICB and the patients of East Barnwell Health Centre. Our goal is to ensure that patients' concerns and feedback are at the forefront of the decision-making process during this transition.” 

East Barnwell Health Centre has produced and FAQ, including contact details to obtain further information, here for anyone with questions about the future of the practice.

You might also be interested in

Signage which reads: 'Riverside Public Toilets - Changing Places Toilet'

Access in St Neots achieves campaign success

Our Adult Social Care Partnership Boards regularly discuss and raise concerns about places to go to the toilet and access to shops. These two items enable people to live their lives as freely and independently as possible.
Blog
An audience member asks the panel a question during the Q&A session at the Summit.

Our Tackling Health Inequalities Together report reflects Summit focus

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have published a new report on tackling health inequalities which contains the findings of our recent Summit event. In attendance were members of the public with lived experience of health inequalities, healthcare professionals and policymakers.
Report
Double decker bus with Safer Streets and Safer Communities campaign message written on its side

Scheme launched for buses to become safe spaces for vulnerable women

The Carers Partnership Board has been working with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership to improve services for carers who experience abuse. Our Healthwatch was invited to the launch of the Buses and Businesses against Abuse Campaign, and our Non-Executive Director, Frances Dewhurst, attended and has provided more information about the campaign.
Blog