A choice to nominate a brand new supplier for out-of-hours GP cowl in Shropshire has gone to an unbiased panel for evaluate.
The service had been operated by Shropdoc, a co-operative of native GPs, since 1996, however commissioners at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin introduced they supposed to change to Wiltshire-based Medvivo.
The commissioning physique stated it got here to the choice after a “sturdy, clear and truthful commissioning course of”.
The NHS England Impartial Affected person Selection and Procurement Panel is anticipated to supply recommendation earlier than NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin makes a ultimate determination.
Paperwork have been despatched to the evaluate physique earlier this month and NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin stated it might absolutely adjust to any requests or suggestions made by the panel.
Issues had been raised about the way forward for the service if it modified arms, however a spokesperson for the board stated: “It can proceed to be a regionally supplied service, staffed by native clinicians, with face-to-face appointments forming a core component and remaining accessible on the out-of-hours bases and by way of dwelling visits.”
The commissioning physique additionally stated {that a} determination to award the contract to Medvivo wouldn’t be a value chopping measure.
