Royton GP services "must improve" says Council leader

Royton Medical Centre

Key managers from Royton GP practices and the NHS have met with Oldham Council leader, Amanda Chadderton, following months of difficulties in getting a GP appointment.

Many patients have expressed concern and frustration at the ability to access GP services, which comes on top of a critical Quality Care Commission on Royton Medical Centre.

The report highlighted problems in dealing with complaints at the Centre, along with ineffective processes and policies not being followed.

During the meeting, stakeholders said they were determined to work together to ensure that patients in Royton get timely and appropriate care.  

Cllr Chadderton, who is councillor for Royton South said: “I made a public commitment that this Council will work with the NHS to help Oldhamers live better lives. And what is clear from residents in Royton is that our GP services must improve.”

“This week we met with local GPs from both Royton practices and Oldham’s NHS leaders to discuss how we go forward.”

“I am pleased that we agreed to ensure our practices in Royton receive extra support from NHS colleagues in Oldham to bring about improvements and change. We also agreed that given the level of concern, progress reports will be brought to future meetings of Oldham Council’s Cabinet.”

“We will keep Roytoners in the loop throughout this process to ensure that services get better for them.”

Cllr Steven Bashforth, Deputy-Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Councillor for Royton South said, “Residents struggling to access GP services is one of the main issues that Roytoners get in touch with us about as local councillors.”

“So given the importance of this issue to all of us in Royton we’re committed to working with both surgeries to reassure the community that their GPs are here to support them when they need it most.”

“There is no easy fix to this problem, but we will continue working with them until we get it right.”

Reports on General Practice to Oldham Council’s Cabinet are unusual, but Oldham leaders have agreed that this level of attention is warranted.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.