Matlock Road Surgery BEACONSFIELD MEDICAL PRACTICE Dr Paul Allan Dr N Bird, Dr Z Schaedel, Dr J P Coxon, 10 Matlock Road, Dr N Myers,Dr J Rehill, Dr O Maddison BN1 5BF and Associates 175 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 6AG

04/09/2019

Dear Patient,

Notification of outcome of the proposed Matlock Road Surgery Merger with Beaconsfield Medical Practice and closure of Matlock Road Surgery site.

We wrote to you in May 2019 informing you of the proposed merger of Matlock Road Surgery with Beaconsfield Medical Centre. Thank you very much for your patience throughout the decision-making process and to those of you who have given us your views.

After reviewing all of the options for Matlock Road Surgery and taking into account feedback from patients, carers, community representatives and both practices, the local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group has now approved the merger of the two practices and the closure of the Matlock Road Surgery site.

What this means is that from the 1st of April 2020 the two surgeries will become one. Dr Allan will transfer to Beaconsfield Medical Practice and all your care will be based at this practice at 175, Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 6AG. Until then, your care will continue as normal at Matlock Road Surgery.

There is no need for you to do anything to get a new GP. Your care (and your records) will be automatically transferred to Beaconsfield Medical Practice as part of the merger. However, should you wish to register at another practice you are able to do so. For help with this, you can access www.nhs.uk/service-search or telephone 01273 238700 and ask for the Primary Care team.

Please ensure that you have an adequate supply of your prescription medication for the month leading up to the merger. If you are under the care of a hospital or community specialist, please inform them of the change from 1st April so that they can keep your hospital records updated.

For further information and FAQ’s please go to www.matlockroadsurgerybrighton.co.uk or www.beaconsfieldmedicalpractice.co.uk .

Some patients have expressed concerns about how they would get to the Beaconsfield Medical Practice site, and options are being explored to try to alleviate this issue. In the meantime, we hope the following information may be useful to you to support you during the transition:

 There is limited parking at Beaconsfield Medical Practice which is free to patients. Please note you need to register your vehicle registration plate at reception on arrival to avoid a parking ticket being issued as we operate on a number plate recognition system. This applies to blue badge holders, or any vehicle waiting in the car park, with driver in situ.  There are a number of parking spaces in and around Preston Park for 50p/hour.

 You may wish to sign up to the Electronic Prescription Service. This allows you to request repeat prescriptions online, with delivery to your nominated pharmacy.  The Older Person’s Bus Pass is available to those who have reached the female state pension age (including men). It allows you to travel for free on any Brighton bus at most times during the week. To apply for your bus pass, please visit https://www.brighton- .gov.uk/content/parking-and-travel/travel-transport-and-road-safety/older-persons- bus-pass, telephone the Council on 01273 291924 or pick up an application form from the Customer Service Centre, Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ.  The Disabled Person’s Bus Pass is available to patients with a qualifying disability or are not permitted to drive due to a medical condition. It allows you to travel for free on any Brighton bus at most times during the week. To apply for your bus pass, please visit https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/parking-and-travel/travel-transport-and-road- safety/disabled-persons-bus-pass, telephone the Council on 01273 291924 or pick up an application form from the Customer Service Centre, Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ.  The Helping Hand Scheme empowers the card holder to discreetly advise drivers of any assistance they may require. This can be particularly helpful for those with hidden disabilities. It can be used with Streamline Taxis, City Cabs Brighton, Bus Company, The Big Lemon (Bus), and Compass Buses. For more information, please visit www.buses.co.uk/helpinghand or contact the Brighton and Hove Bus Company on 01273 886200.  The Brighton and Hove Bus Company Wheelchair Taxi Guarantee Scheme means that if for any reason a wheelchair user is unable to board the bus, they guarantee to provide a free accessible taxi. If you are unable to board and do not wish to wait for the next bus, please mention the scheme to the driver. They will provide you with a leaflet to present to the taxi that they will order, to enable you to travel in it for free.  Taxi Vouchers are available for anyone of a fare paying age who is unable to use the bus due to a disability and is willing to forgo their bus pass. It provides up to £70 of taxi vouchers per year. To apply, please visit https://www.brighton- hove.gov.uk/content/parking-and-travel/travel-transport-and-road-safety/taxi-vouchers or telephone the Bus Company on 01273 291924.  Carer’s Card and Compass Card Discounts offer discounted travel. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.buses.co.uk/carers or telephone the Bus Company on 01273 886200.

We are aware that some patients may be apprehensive regarding these changes, especially those patients registered at Matlock Road Surgery, but feel the benefits of merging two well regarded practices together will enable the Matlock patients to access the extensive services currently offered to those already at Beaconsfield Medical Practice. Beaconsfield patients will continue to be able to avail themselves of all the services currently offered in the normal way. We trust this will alleviate some of the concerns raised.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Paul Allan and the Beaconsfield Medical Practice Doctors

This information can be made available in formats such as easy read, or large print and may be available in alternative languages on request. Please contact the CCG on 01273 238700, email [email protected], or speak to reception staff at the Matlock Road Surgery if you require this.