O’Connell Street Medical Practice
O’Connell Street Medical Practice, Ellwyn Medical Practice and Glenfield Medical Practice will be merging into one practice from 1st April. We will be known as Mairches Medical Practice (the old Scots word for Scottish Borders), and will operate from our existing sites at O’Connell Street, Hawick, and Galashiels Health Centre.
General Practice is currently facing unprecedented challenges, with difficulty recruiting new doctors and nurses, as existing staff move on or reach retirement age. The difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic have only made the situation worse, and the current climate is likely to affect our ability to deliver contracted services in the future, with small and single handed practices being at particular risk.
The Ellwyn and Glenfield practices already have close links, working in the same health centre for many years. The O’Connell Street Practice (Hawick) is in the fortunate position of having a large primary care workforce, with the ability to staff a second site. The GPs have known each other for many years, and a merger seemed like a logical progression, benefiting all.
By merging the practices, we are significantly increasing in size and acquiring a second site. This confers several benefits; improving the ability to recruit staff being the most important. We have already been successful in recruiting an experienced Advanced Nurse Practitioner and GP Partner, to complement the staff of the Mairches Practice. We also hope to expand the range of services on offer to our patients over the coming months, utilising the skills of new personnel. The expanded team also adds resilience, improving the ability to cover during periods of illness or staff shortage.
Following the merger, we do not anticipate patients of O’Connell Street Medical Practice experiencing any major change to the service they currently receive. The existing team in Hawick will remain unchanged, and the selection of clinicians you currently consult with will be exactly the same. The change in name may be the only visible difference, as the way care is accessed and surgeries are run will remain unchanged.
The aim of the merger is therefore to:
- Provide sustainable high quality consistent care for our registered patients.
- Improve access to more clinical staff for patients.
- Futureproof the Practices and provide us with better opportunities to recruit clinical staff.
We understand there may be apprehension, and you could have questions regarding the merger. We have therefore produced a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ sheet, which addresses common queries; a copy can be collected from Reception.
If you still have questions or comments after reading the FAQ sheet, you can make contact using the following methods:
- Complete the comments section on the reverse of the FAQ sheet, and hand in to reception at your practice. (Downloadable here)
- Write to us at Mairches Medical Practice, O’Connell Street, Hawick.
We are keen to hear your views and feedback will be used to ensure we provide a service that meets our patients’ needs.
What is a merger?
In simple terms a practice merger is when two or more practices join together to form a single practice. A practice merger can occur in a variety of ways, for example when two or more practices merge or where one practice takes over another practice.
When are you merging?
1st April 2023
Why are you merging?
General Practice is currently facing unprecedented challenges, with difficulty recruiting new doctors and nurses, as existing staff move on or reach retirement age. The difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic have only made the situation worse, and the current climate is likely to affect our ability to deliver contracted services in the future, with small and single handed practices being at particular risk. By merging, we hope to achieve the following benefits:
- sustainability in providing services
- the ability to increase the volume and type of services offered to patients
- the ability to offer increased/extended patient access
- the ability to share facilities and premises
- the potential to gain greater clinical expertise and skills
- the ability to offer greater training to develop a more skilled workforce
- the potential to reduce workload pressures
- the opportunity to become a pro-active practice
What will the telephone numbers be?
Our main telephone numbers are staying the same. Please continue to use the number you have always used.
When will the surgery be open?
Our sites are open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm. Extended access appointments will also be offered.
How do I make an appointment?
The way you make an appointment will not change. Please continue to contact the practice in the usual way.
Will I still be able to see my usual GP and nurse?
Yes. The consulting GPs, nurses and healthcare assistants currently at O’Connell Street Medical Practice will be available after the merger.
What do I do if I need a home visit?
Home visits are made for those who are too ill to attend the surgery or housebound. If a home visit is deemed to be necessary, this will be arranged.
Can I be seen at both the Hawick and Galashiels Practices?
No, you should arrange to be seen at the site where you are registered. This is due to being unable to access your medical record from another site.
