The Care, Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Gateshead Council met on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, to discuss the proposed merger of Teams Medical Practice and Glenpark Medical Centre, and to review the Quality Accounts for 2023-24 from CNTW and Gateshead Place. The committee noted the merger proposal and endorsed the Quality Accounts.

Proposed Merger of Teams Medical Practice and Glenpark Medical Centre

The committee received a presentation on the proposed merger of Teams Medical Practice and Glenpark Medical Centre. The merger aims to address national pressures by combining resources to provide high-quality care. Staff at Teams Medical Practice are reportedly positive about the merger, and patients with transport difficulties to Glenpark Medical Centre will still receive care at Teams Medical Practice.

The committee raised concerns about the speed of the merger, the consultation process with other merged practices, and the long-term viability of mergers as a solution to the shortage of General Practitioners (GPs). The consultation results revealed patient concerns about transport and the potential closure of Teams Medical Practice. Patients were assured that the practice would remain open and they could continue receiving treatment at their current location if preferred.

Quality Accounts 2023-24

The committee reviewed the Quality Accounts for 2023-24 from CNTW (Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust) and Gateshead Place. The accounts were commended for their representation of the work being done, with no omissions highlighted. The committee endorsed the Quality Accounts for both organisations.

For more details, you can refer to the minutes of the meeting.