Assura Wandle to provide new ophthalmic service closer to patients homes
A convenient new ophthalmic primary care service offering patients the chance to see experienced clinicians including Consultants at local GP surgeries, has been launched in Sutton and Merton.
The service is provided by Assura Wandle LLP, a partnership between family doctors in the Sutton and Merton area and Assura, a leading healthcare provider.
Established in 2008, the partnership was set up to improve patient choice and convenience by delivering services from community-based locations that are closer to people’s homes.
The service offers consultation, advice and treatment for a wide range of eye conditions and aims to provide patients with a diagnosis and treatment plan. This enables patients and their GPs to best manage patients’ medical needs.
Patients are seen by the most appropriate clinician and from within a GP setting, in many cases saving them an unnecessary trip to the local hospital. All local GPs can refer into the clinics which will be located at Cannon Hill Lane Medical Practice, Cricket Green Medical Practice or The Old Court House Surgery on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.
Dr Andrew Murray, GP Partner at the Church Lane Medical Practice and Chairman of Assura Wandle said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract by Sutton and Merton PCT. It means our patients will be offered a locally-based NHS service providing high clinical standards and staffed by experienced consultants and health professionals.
"We hope that by offering this extra service we can speed up the process for patients, ensuring that they are seen and treated more efficiently and conveniently. It is a better use of NHS resources for the benefit of patients."
Arif Ladha, business director for Assura Wandle said: "This ophthalmic primary care service will be one of several community-based services the partnership provides to local patients. The services will make a real difference to patient care. Patients should experience reduced waiting times for appointments and find the services conveniently located closer to their homes."
Assura Wandle is a partnership between GP practices and Assura and involves 105 GPs, a business director and an Assura representative. This group benefits from many years of local healthcare knowledge.
All patients are invited to complete a patient satisfaction survey and to provide feedback on the service. A full evaluation of the service will be made at regular intervals.
ENDS
Press enquiries:
Assura Wandle: Arif Ladha. Tel: 020 3170 6368
Louise Bathersby, Assura Group. Tel: 020 7107 3830
Andrew McKeon, AJM Public Relations. Tel: 01423 734 560; Mobile: 07802 484 155
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