After carefully considering the feedback received during the engagement period, NHS South West London has taken the decision to close the practice on 31 July 2023. We have explored every practical option to keep the surgery open but believe 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 and text message shortly asking them to register with a new local GP surgery of their choice, before the closing date, providing information on how to do so. We’re also putting measures in place to ensure the most vulnerable are supported.
Key reasons for the decision
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) cancelled the registration of the previous provider at Trinity Medical Centre, after services were rated inadequate following two inspections. This meant that it was no longer authorised to provide services there. Details of their findings are available on the CQC website.
Since 16 September 2022, we arranged for another local surgery, Tudor Lodge Health Centre, to manage services on a caretaker basis. The caretaking service is an interim measure put in place to keep people safe, after the concerns with the previous provider were identified, and to provide continuity of care for patients while a decision was made on the future of the practice.
Trinity Medical Centre has approximately 5,800 patients on its list (a decrease of over 6,000 patients over the past 10 years). We have explored keeping the practice open by finding a new provider but unfortunately this is not a viable option – and could cause further disruption to patients, affecting care in the long term. The number of patients registered with the practice is small and, in our experience, a new provider would find it challenging to be viable with the funding available.
We have undertaken a capacity review of local practices. There are 10 practices within one mile of Trinity Medical Centre, all with good CQC ratings. A further 21 practices are within a two-mile radius of the surgery. Overall feedback from local practices confirmed sufficient capacity to take on more patients should Trinity Medical Centre be closed. We are also putting in place financial support for nearby practices to help them support new patients.
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Frequently asked questions
Why are you closing Trinity Medical Centre
The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the health and social care regulator in England, cancelled the registration of the previous service providers at Trinity Medical Centre, meaning they could no longer run the practice. Since then, Tudor Lodge Health Centre has been managing the practice on a caretaker basis while decisions are made about its future. Tudor Lodge’s caretaking contract will end on 31 July 2023.
Why can’t Trinity Medical Centre remain open?
NHS South West London has explored keeping the practice open by finding a new provider. Unfortunately, this is not a viable option and could cause further disruption to patients, affecting care in the long term. The number of patients registered with the practice is small (less than 6,000). In our experience, a new provider would find it challenging to be viable with the funding available.
Why can’t Tudor Lodge keep running the practice?
Tudor Lodge are providing services at Trinity Medical Centre in a caretaker capacity to allow time for NHS South West London to make a decision on the future of the practice. The caretaking contract will end on 31 July 2023.
We are grateful to Tudor Lodge for urgently stepping in to allow for plans to be made for the future – like us, Tudor Lodge don’t think extending this current arrangement is a viable long-term solution.
What will closing the practice involve, and how would this affect me?
Now a decision has been made to close the practice, we have written to patients with details of how to register at a new practice and a list of local practices. Trinity Medical Centre will work with the Wandsworth Primary Care Team at NHS South West London to identify and support vulnerable and housebound patients to register – please contact Trinity Medical Centre if you need this support.
Can I register at any practice in the area?
You can register with any practice which is accepting patients as long as you live within its catchment area. The closest GP practices to Trinity Medical Centre are all accepting new patients.
You can find details of the surgeries closest to you on the NHS website. Staff at Trinity Medical Centre will support vulnerable and housebound patients to register at another practice.
Will my GP remain the same?
Your GP is likely to change if the surgery closes.
Will opening hours and services remain the same wherever I register?
All Wandsworth GP practices are open from 8am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, with some open longer. Extended access arrangements also mean all patients registered with a Wandsworth practice have access to GP appointments seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm.
Where will outstanding test results be sent when Trinity Medical Centre closes?
All results will go to your new GP practice.
What if I don’t want to move to another surgery?
If the practice does close, you will need to register with another surgery. If you don’t, you may miss out on vital services such as cervical, breast and bowel screening programmes, childhood immunisations and seasonal flu and covid vaccinations.
What should I do about repeat medications?
Your new GP may need to review your prescriptions before issuing them, which could cause a delay. We advise ordering repeat prescriptions, so you have at least two weeks’ supply, before registering with a new practice.
What support is available for patients with mobility issues?
If you require assistance in registering with a new practice, the staff at Trinity Medical Centre will assist you.
Can you assure me that another surgery I choose will provide a good service?
Visit the NHS website to review the performance of local GP practices before registering. All of the practices listed here are rated as “Good” by the CQC.
Will my new practice have all my medical records when Trinity Medical Centre closes?
Yes, your records will transfer when you register at a new practice. Electronic records usually take around two to three days to transfer and paper records will take longer.
Do the other local GP practices have enough space for us all?
Yes, the nearest GP practices have the ability to take on new patients.
How will I make appointments at my new practice?
All practices take bookings by phone and in person with many also offering online bookings.
Will my new practice provide home visits if required?
Practices provide home visits to patients who are housebound or very unwell if a clinician assesses that a home visit is required.
Do I have to wait until Trinity Medical Centre closes before moving to another surgery?
No, you are free to register at another practice at any time.
How do I register at another practice?
Each practice operates their own registration process. Contact your chosen practice or visit its website.
