Anger over uncertain future of GP surgery

One patient said it would be a "travesty" if the healthcare provider was lost

Residents have expressed concern that a community-run, not-for-profit GP surgery in Brighton could be replaced with a private provider.

Wellsbourne Healthcare Community Interest Company (CIC) currently runs the surgery in Whitehawk, but it could be taken over by Leeds-based One Medical Group after NHS Sussex started procuring a new contract.

Patient Liz Mason told BBC Radio Sussex it would be an "absolute travesty" if the GP surgery that had "done so much for the community" was lost.

NHS Sussex said it was aware of the concern being raised and would respond as soon as it could.

It added that it was unable to comment further as the procurement process had begun.

One Medical Group has been approached for comment.

'Why risk it?'

Lacey, another patient, said it was vital that Whitehawk - which she said was "let down quite a lot" as one of the most deprived areas in the city - had a GP they could trust.

"Things have been running so well for so long - why risk it [the change]?" she told BBC Radio Sussex. "This service is amazing."

Wellsbourne Healthcare CIC took over the GP surgery several years ago after it was previously failing.

NHS Sussex said the possible change was needed because the current contract to run the GP service for some 8,300 people had ended.

• Hundreds stuck in Sussex hospitals, BBC told

They detailed that national regulations mean the procurement process has to be open, allowing all parties to submit bids that will be fully considered and evaluated.

The healthcare provider added the new contract was designed to meet the current and future needs of the local population.

Sarah Webb, business manager at Wellsbourne Healthcare CIC, urged NHS Sussex to talk to the people of Whitehawk.

"There is still time for them to be heard," she added. "Listen to residents and the community here."