About Us

New GP Services - Q & A

1. What's happening and when?

What are the reasons for this and what will the benefits be?
We want to deliver the best possible healthcare services. The existing premises are cramped and in some cases do not meet modern disabled access requirements. By relocating, we are not only able to offer more modern, larger premises, but we can potentially offer a wider range of services such as community nurses, physiotherapists and podiatrists in the same locations.
Why can you not just refurbish the existing premises?
The existing premises are mostly in old buildings and in locations where adding additional space or refurbishment to meet modern clinical standards is not an option. Bringing them together into new buildings will enable wider services and more shared services, enabling us to focus more resources on front-line health care.
What is going to happen to the existing premises?
Excluding the Orchard House site, one of the premises is privately owned and rented by the practice the other four are practice owned and therefore their future would be a matter for individual practices.
What services will be provided e.g. prescription dispensing, baby clinics, emergency appointments?
The shape of services is likely to remain similar to as they are now though practices are likely to canvas opinion about that nearer the time of moving.
Will I still be able to see my own GP?
Yes. There will be no change to the current arrangements for making an appointment to see a GP.
What public input will there be into the plans?
We want to hear people's views on the suggested arrangements, and people can make their views known through davidl.paterson@fvpc.scot.nhs.uk. This will help us work up a broad outline business case which we intend to put to the Scottish Government. If the Scottish Government agrees with our outline proposal, then we will seek further public views through 2009 as we work on a more detailed business case.
When do I have to make my views known by?
We intend to make our outline business case to the Scottish Government in mid 2009. It would help us do that if we can get any views by 31 March 2009
What would the timescales of any change be?
We would hope to have a new facility on the current Orchard House site up and running in 2010. Building the other proposed health centre at the current SRI site will have to wait for the facilities there to be relocated to the new acute hospital in Larbert. This means we expect a new centre there to be operational in 2013.

2. Details of the new services

Will there be adequate car parking spaces for patients/visitors?
We haven't gone into this kind of detail yet, but we will consider it carefully as part of any second stage detailed proposals and as part of our travel plan. We will aim to maximise space for patients and visitors attending. Car parking provision is limited by the planning authority (Stirling Council)
Will there be a regular bus service to and from the new premises?
We haven't gone into this kind of detail yet, but we will consider it carefully as part of any second stage detailed proposals. We will also be discussing this with the council as part of a travel plan. Because parking will be limited, we will be aiming to enhance bus routes to both sites.
What will the opening hours be?
We want to promote patient-friendly opening hours as part of the new facilities. It is anticipated that the current individual practice opening hours will be maintained.
Will there be a direct dial number for my own GP practice or will it be a shared switchboard number for all practices?
This is the kind of detail that we will look at further down the line, when we come to the detailed stage, however easy communication to your practice will be a priority.
Will it be an open/shared reception area?
This depends on the detail of the planning - please tell us your view
Can I speak to a receptionist in an area that allows privacy/confidentiality?
Lack of privacy is one of the problems with the current GP surgeries, and we want to include better privacy in any design that we agree on.
Where will my records be stored/held?
Although this would be part of the detailed planning process and there is a move to electronic records, we will ensure that the security and confidentiality of patient records is maintained.

3. Next steps

How will I be kept informed of any changes?
NHS Forth Valley and your GPs will keep patients informed through updates for patient groups, through our dedicated website and through articles in our community newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please telephone 0800 456033.
Will my carers, social services etc, anyone who is involved with my care be informed of the new arrangements and how will this be done?
We will be working closely with Stirling Council and other groups as part of the detailed planning of the new services.