Patient Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Partners of Billinge Medical Centre are working with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside – St Helens Place to engage with local patients about the closure of the branch surgery in Orrell. Below are some FAQs that are provided to answer any potential queries patients may have.

Any further queries should be directed to Billinge Surgery using the email jenny.turner3@sthelensccg.nhs.uk

Why is Orrell Surgery closing?

Following the change of partners at Billinge Medical Practice work had commenced reviewing the leases for the sites where services are provided. The CQC inspection in September 2023 identified building issues that required addressing to ensure the building was fit for purpose and compliant with health and safety regulations. During this process the landlords decided to serve notice on the practice as tenants for the Orrell branch site. This means there is no option but to close this site.

Would Billinge Surgery opening times remain as they are currently?

Yes we would continue to open as normal from 8.00am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday. There are also appointments available via the enhanced access service in the evenings Monday to Friday and 9:00am to 5:00pm on a Saturday. These appointments can be booked by staff at Billinge Medical Practice. This service may not be at our Billinge practice as nationally the model of providing care is now moving towards more service provision across the wider St Helens North Network.

How would I access appointments?

We would continue to provide a full GP service from our surgery at Billinge, providing daily appointments to see doctors, nurses and health care assistants. We would also continue to use alternative methods of accessing appointments, for example, via online services.

Would I still be able to see my usual doctor or nurse?

Yes, you would. All staff and partners (both clinical and non-clinical) would be based at Billinge Surgery. By consolidating services on one site, it allows us to deliver continuity of care for more of our patients, as we will not be splitting our workforce across 2 sites, so we can enhance how we deliver care at one site.

Would the same number of appointments be available?

There would be more appointments available because patients would have better access at the main surgery Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6:30pm, and enhanced access 6 days per week. Since the change in partnership we have significantly improved the number of appointments and we will continue to do this to meet the demand.

What would happen to vulnerable patients?

All our patients currently registered with the practice would have the option of being able to remain on our practice list, whilst living at their existing address, and the practice hope that patients would wish to remain registered with the practice. The doctors would continue to provide home visits to our vulnerable and housebound patients and access to all wrap around services, such as out of hours services and enhanced access appointments would continue to be provided to all our residents.

Would the services currently offered at Orrell Surgery be offered at Billinge?

Yes all services currently offered under the GP contract would be available at the main surgery site.

Would there be changes to the way I book appointments?

The practice can be contacted by phoning 01744 892 205 or by accessing online via the website www.billingemedicalpractice.org.

Would there be any changes to how I access the GP out of hours service?

No, Out of Hours would still be accessed by phoned the practice number, 01744 892 205, and this would divert to the Out of Hours provider.

Would I need to re-register to remain on the practice list?

No, although you reside in Orrell and may access most services in Orrell you are registered with Billinge Medical Practice and would remain registered with Billinge Medical Practice unless you chose to register with another practice, or you have moved from your current address to an address outside the practice catchment area. We are hopeful that our patients will want to remain registered with us.

Would my health records be transferred?

If you remained registered with Billinge Medical Practice your electronic health records would be accessible at the main surgery. If you chose to register with another practice your records would be transferred to that practice and would be available to the clinicians at that practice.

Would this affect any treatment or medication I am currently receiving either at the GP practice or any hospital?

No, any current treatments, medications or any investigations that you are receiving from any hospital or other healthcare provider would be unaffected by the closure of the branch surgery.

All prescription requests will continue to be processed as they are now, via EPS (electronic prescribing service), and will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice, this could be a pharmacy closer to your home address, often patients have no need to attend the surgery at all for repeat medications.

What are the timescales for the closure of the Orrell Site?

Due to the landlords serving notice and requiring the facility to emptied of all the contents the facility will close on 29 February 2024