Struggling out-of-hours GP service Shropdoc asks for financial help

Shropdoc has asked Shropshire and Telford Clinical Commissioning Groups, the organisations that commissions health services in the region, for short-term financial help.

It comes after Shropdoc admitted it was a facing its most serious financial challenges in 21 years.

The service provides urgent medical services for patients in the region when their own surgery is closed and they cannot wait until the next day.

Shropdoc chairman Dr Russell Muirhead has written to GPs saying the service is costing far more than the money coming in.

He said a number of posts have been lost and the chief executive has also left by mutual consent.

It has not been disclosed how much money Shropdoc has asked for.

Dr Simon Freeman, accountable officer for Shropshire CCG and David Evans, chief officer from Telford and Wrekin CCG, said: "Shropdoc are facing financial challenges and Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin CCGs have been approached by Shropdoc for short-term financial support, which the CCGs are discussing with them.

"As CCGs our priority is to ensure the continuity of care for local patients wherever possible.

"We will advise of any further developments over the coming weeks."

Earlier this month Shropdoc said it was looking to re-negotiate its contract with the Shropshire Community Health Trust, as it faces increasing pressure.

And in June it announced that six redundancies may have to be made.

Dr Muirhead said: "We are in discussion with our commissioners and a review is planned shortly.

"More information will be available once that review is completed and options have been discussed.

"The commissioners continue to support us in the short term and all clinical services are being maintained to the usual high standard."

Simon Wright, chief executive of Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said he also holds regular meetings with Shropdoc to discuss current issues.

He said: "I hold regular meetings with colleagues from Shropdoc, as I do with all of our healthcare partners.

“Within these discussions I will be offering both my personal support to Dr Russell Muirhead, chairman of Shropdoc, as well as continuing the discussions that we have been having over a number of months about how we, as an organisation, can work more closely with them in delivering urgent care.”