16th February 2023
Since taking back the reins at The Pentagon Surgery as GP provider in November 2021, we have been delivering core general practice over 5 locations in Medway with 2 of these (The Halfway Surgery and The Pentagon Surgery) co-located in the same neighbourhood, which does not offer the most efficient and sustainable delivery model.
Given the close proximity of the two Central Chatham surgeries, the challenges faced by patients and staff throughout the Pandemic and overall feedback of patients who use our services we have arrived at the conclusion that the building and facilities offered at The Halfway Surgery are not fit for the future of primary care and no longer meet local health and accessibility needs.
We have identified that clinics offered at The Pentagon Surgery provide good, DDA compliant access and the opportunity to expand services and deliver improved continuity of care. The Pentagon Surgery is home to a wide GP Led Multi-Disciplinary team and offers additional clinics over and above core services including;
- Children’s Acute Clinic (daily)
- Ultrasound Scanning
- Saturday Nurse Clinics (on rotation)
- MSK Physio
- Phlebotomy
- Dietician
- Minor Surgery
- Ear Irrigation Clinic
- Homelessness Health Clinic
- Self Service HealthPod
The Pentagon facility is better served by local Public Transport links and has ample on-site parking including reserved spaces for those with a disability.
In view that The Pentagon provides good facilities now and is earmarked for further investment in health, this location offers strong foundations on which to develop and future proof primary care services for local people.
With that in mind, we are entering a period of engagement and consultation to ensure those people affected by our proposal to retire The Halfway Surgery facility and consolidate services and offer services with all the same familiar faces at The Pentagon Surgery have the opportunity to comment and have their say.
Access to services will continue at all other Medway locations throughout core and enhanced access hours; Monday – Friday (08:00 – 20:00) and Saturday (09:00 – 17:00) including:-
- St Mary’s Island, Chatham (Main Location)
- St Mary’s Medical Centre, Strood (Branch)
- The Pentagon Surgery, Chatham (Branch)
- Church View Practice, Rainham (Branch)
This proposal will enable the Practice to concentrate efforts, clinical capacity and resources at one Central Chatham location, which will provide a safer, more responsive, and sustainable service ensuring long-term accessibility to primary medical services in this area of high need.
All existing staff at The Halfway Surgery regularly work at The Pentagon and patients can be assured they will be served by the same familiar team (clinical and admin).
Should you need this information in a different format, please don’t hesitate to ask the Surgery.
The survey is now closed. We thank you for the time in completing the survey.