Local people's views on the location of the High Oak Surgery and GP services

Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust has responsibility for managing the High Oak Surgery in the Dudley borough. During the Covid-19 pandemic period it was transferred from its Pensnett site to the Brierley Hill Health and Social Care Centre, Venture Way, Brierley Hill. The Pensnett site was transformed into a Respiratory Assessment Centre for Covid-19 patients. At the same time, it was decided there would be time for reflection over a period of months to assess where the best place might be to permanently locate the High Oak Surgery. Healthwatch Dudley was asked to help with telephone calls to get the views of individuals, who had been using the High Oak Surgery on the Pensnett site, on where it should be located and how it could meet the health and wellbeing needs of local people. They spoke to 12 individuals.

People are concerned about how they get access to the surgery and GP services. The emergence of a digital divide might further disadvantage those who are not able to get online or who lack the skills needed to get the most from the internet and digital services.

There is a strong preference for a surgery in the Pensnett area and reference was made to the High Oak Surgery and plans for the development of improved healthcare facilities on the site that had not come to fruition. The desire is for convenient and easy access to local healthcare services on foot or using local bus services, especially for older people or those with mobility problems or chronic health conditions.

People expressed strong feelings regarding the local location of a surgery and its connection with the community and individuals it serves. They elaborated on it being an integral and valued part of the community and mentioned well established and trusting relations that had existed with GPs and other staff at the High Oak Surgery on Pensnett.