Following recent patient engagement events about the future of the Rowans Surgery, NHS South West London has taken the decision to close the practice on 31 October 2022.
NHS South West London has explored every practical option to keep the surgery open, but believes this is the only way to ensure people receive services that are safe and high quality.
All patients registered at the practice will receive a letter shortly asking them to register with a new local GP surgery of their choice, before the closing date. The letter includes the details of the closest surgeries, as well as their websites and phone numbers, which can also be found online.
Background
The current GP partners who run the surgery hold a contract with NHS South West London which is due to end on 31 October 2022. This means that important decisions need to be made very soon about how GP services are provided.
Patients at the Rowans surgery will know there have been a number of challenges in recent years. There are longstanding problems with the building – new facilities at Rowan Park are still two to three years away – as well as difficulties recruiting staff.
This has meant that services have needed to be provided from other local practices and now the only GP at the practice has given notice of their resignation.
Support available for the most vulnerable
As part of the Rowans Surgery contract coming to an end, the practice will lead on identifying vulnerable registered patients and reaching out to offer support. The East Merton Primary Care Network will support this work through their team of care coordinators.
NHS South West London will meet the practice weekly to check on progress – such as where people are registering and numbers yet to re-register – and review arrangements for the most vulnerable. The practices where people register will receive additional funding to ensure patients get the support they need as well as an increase in their overall funding based on the number of patients they serve.
As the contract comes to an end, anyone who remains registered with the Rowans Surgery, will be registered directly with a new practice they are within the catchment area of. Their new practice will make contact to offer a health check.
Engagement process
During August and September 2022 a number of engagement events were held where people could find out more about the proposals and ask any questions. The events were also an opportunity to talk about the impacts of the proposed changes, what extra support could be offered, as well as any alternative solutions which might not have considered.
The sessions below were attended by representatives from NHS South West London and GP partners from Rowans Surgery.
Engagement feedback
Contact us
If patients have queries or concerns, or are having difficulty re-registering, they can contact the South West London Primary Care Team.
