Two York GP surgeries are set to merge.
East Parade Medical Practice could become part of Jorvik Gillygate Practice – but neither surgery building is set to close under the plans.
A report says the merger will help staff offer more services at both surgeries in this area of the city.
The merger will be discussed at a City of York Council health meeting this week.
Affects nearly 24K patients
According to the report, the merger could take place from May and Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group supports the plans.
Jorvik Gillygate Practice is run by 12 partners and has a growing patient population of 21,457, while East Parade has a growing number of patients, currently at about 2,400.
The report says the move could result in longer opening hours at the East Parade surgery, and adds:
Patients at East Parade Medical Practice will have access to a wider range of enhanced services.
One of the main reasons to merge and form a larger practice, is for us to be able to expand the services that we are able to provide locally.
For example, we hope to be able to offer access to see other healthcare professionals e.g. pharmacists for medication reviews, physician associates to all patients.
Staff will be able to access more training opportunities – and the plans are also expected to reduce the need for locum doctors.
See your usual doctor
Practice staff have already started working across both sites.
A question and answer document, prepared for patients by East Parade, says patients should not see any changes to the service and will continue to see their usual doctor or nurse.
Patients can also continue to book appointments as usual, the arrangements for getting repeat prescriptions will remain the same and they do not need to re-register.
The report adds: “The merger will help ensure a more resilient primary care service in York.”
The plans will be discussed at the Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Scrutiny Committee at West Offices.