Date: Wednesday, 13 October 2021 at 11:12
Dear xxxxx,
Many thanks for your email.
As you raise in your email, it is great shame that we find ourselves with a medical practice closing its door, especially given that Northwich and the surrounding areas are continuing to experience population growth.
In my role as MP for Weaver Vale, I am somewhat limited given the constraints of parliamentary protocol in not interfering with another Member’s constituency affairs. I know that Edward in his role as MP for Eddisbury has been championing the cause along with very many constituents such as yourselves.
I have reached out to Edward to see if there is anything I can do in my capacity in helping to support the campaign. This is very much a cause that crosses boundaries and I would be happy to lend my support.
Please do keep me informed as to how things progress from your end and do feel free to raise any suggestions that you think may be useful.
Once again, thank you for contacting me about this important matter.
Yours sincerely,
Mike Amesbury,
Labour Member of Parliament for Weaver Vale, Shadow Housing Minister
Sent: 27 September 2021 14:57
To: AMESBURY, Mike
Cc: FIFIELD, Charles (Councillor) , Gillian Edwards , WILLIAMS, Paul (Councillor) , TIMPSON, Edward
Subject: Sandiway Surgery
Dear Mr Amesbury,
We are writing to you on behalf of the Save Sandiway Surgery Action Group. You will be aware that Danebridge Medical Practice has been successful in its application to the CCG to close its surgery at Sandiway.
The Villages of Sandiway and Cuddington have been designated as a Key Service Centre in the Cheshire West and Chester Local plan and Cuddington Neighbourhood Plan. The provision of key services such as primary schools, shops and medical facilities have enabled the development of new homes in the area growing the community from around 2300 homes to 2640 between 2010 and 2017, growth of almost 15%.
Apart from the withdrawal of a valued medical service for the ageing community here, 28% of our population are aged over 65 compared with 21% in the CWaC borough, the difficulties of access to the other practice surgeries at Danebridge and Kingsmead will leave our residents with, in some cases, insurmountable travel issues. As you are aware bus services are poor and taxi availability is unreliable and expensive.
The decision seems to be directly at odds with the declared policies of NHS England and Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group to provide primary care close to home and to always seek to minimise the environmental impact of NHS activity and decisions.
We have been working under the aegis of Cuddington Parish Council, with Edward Timpson our MP, along with our Borough Councillors, who have all supported our campaign to Save Sandiway Surgery. Danebridge Medical Practice currently serves 25000 patients in Northwich and surrounding districts. We believe that this closure will create a significant influx of patients from Sandiway, Cuddington and the surrounding area which will place further pressure on the surgeries at Kingsmead and Danebridge and adversely impact the 21,000 or so Danebridge and Kingsmead patients living in your constituency.
In the application to the Primary Care Commissioning Committee of the CCG, Danebridge leaned very heavily on the fact that the new Integrated Care Partnership and in particular the Northwich Care Partnership would support vulnerable patients seeking primary and follow up care once the surgery was closed. Following the extremely disappointing decision by the CCG to agree to the closure of the surgery, Cuddington Parish Council has written to Louise Gittins, at Cheshire West and Chester to understand the implications for the patients of this "new model of care" and in particular to seek assurance that CWaC is involved in the management of the ICP and is resourced to provide that care.
As you are aware the Northwich Care Partnership comprise 7 GP practices covering around 70000 patients. We understand that there is only, one newly recruited paramedic who will supplement GP's across Northwich for emergency home visits.
We appreciate that Sandiway is not part of your constituency, but we understand that it will become so under the proposed boundary changes. We believe that this closure will affect both Weaver Vale and Eddisbury constituents. Edward Timpson is aware that we are contacting you and we would ask that you liaise with Edward and Borough Councillors, to ensure that local primary health care is not reduced for our rural community, and for patients in Northwich.
Kind regards
For Sandiway SOS Residents Action Group
Patients of Sandiway Surgery should now have received a letter from Danebridge confirming the closure of the surgery on 31st December 2021. We suggest you keep this letter as it provides information on the remaining services that Danebridge is prepared to offer its patients.
This is a very sad outcome for the community and the SOS team would like to thank everyone who has very actively supported the campaign to save the surgery over the past 20 months.
Cuddington Parish Council has supported the campaign throughout ensuring that important communications were delivered to residents via the Round Tower, the village website, noticeboards and direct communications to residents at home.
The Parish Council wrote to Louise Gittins, the Chair and Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council, to express its concerns, about the decision in July by the NHS Cheshire Commissioning Goup to close the surgery. The Parish Council has asked for a meeting to discuss the impact on patients in the Parish and on the wider community.
Louise Gittins has responded offering to arrange a meeting with Parish Councillors, and the NHS integrated Care Partnership to discuss the “future model of primary care” promised by Danebridge to its patients in Sandiway and Cuddington.
If you or your family have any problems getting appointments, access to care or medication through Danebridge then make sure you formally report it to Danebridge Practice and copy in Christopher Leese Associate Director of Primary care at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
There is a national petition to persuade the government to exert pressure on GP practices to open their doors for face-to-face appointments just as dentists, opticians and other specialists are doing. PRESS HERE to view the petition.
A number of you have had Save Our Surgery signs outside your homes for the last year and a half. The SOS team thank you for that and suggest that you should now remove them, as the team can no longer influence what is happening to the Surgery.
The Parish Council is now taking the lead on this.
Following the decision by the Primary Care Commissioning Committee to close Sandiway Surgery, the SOS team has written to the Chair of the committee with two key questions: Question: What process could be followed to appeal the decision of your committee? Question: Patients are contacting us to seek assurances that what Danebridge has promised to you, and been asked to deliver by your committee, will in fact happen. The practice sent a letter to ALL patients at their home addresses when they first started the process. We would like an assurance that this will be done at the end of the process to explain what the new service offering is for patients, particularly for patients finding difficulty using the remote services and accessing surgeries in Northwich for face to face appointments. Cuddington Parish Council is writing to the Chair and Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council to express its concerns, and make the following points: We wish to have a meeting with Cheshire West and Chester Council, with our Ward Councillors and also with your partners in the Integrated Care Partnership, to seek reassurances that our residents will not suffer a reduction in Primary Care for vulnerable residents in this isolated rural community. In addition we would like to discuss the implications of this proposal on our KSC status. In the meantime we believe that it is inappropriate for any significant housing development proposals to be approved. If you or your family have any problems getting appointments, access to care or mediaction through Danebridge then make sure you formally report it to Danebridge Practice and copy in Christopher Leese Associate Director of Primary care at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
'Save Our Sandiway Surgery': September update
Save Our Sandiway Surgery
The CCG Primary Care Commissioning Committee (PCCC) met on Thursday 22nd July to discuss the application made by Danebridge Medical Practice (DMP) to close Sandiway surgery. The Save Our Surgery Group (SOS) was represented and spoke at the meeting. Dr Mullin spoke for Danebridge.
The Save Our Surgery Group would like to thank you all for your outstanding support for the campaign over the past 20 months.
Thank you all for your massive support following the leaflet drop in June.
The PCCC voted unanimously to accept the application for closure by Danebridge but the Chair of the PCCC has instructed that:
The full statement by the CCG has been posted on their website and is also on this village website.
We urge you all to make sure that any problems getting appointments or access to care are formally notified to Danebridge Practice and copied to Christopher Leese Associate Director of Primary care at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group Primary Care Committee will be meeting on Thursday 22nd July to make a decision on the application by Danebridge to close Sandiway Surgery .
The 'Save Our Surgery' Group will be represented and will speak at the meeting. The link below is to the main paper that has been prepared by the CCG for that meeting, and includes a detailed report by them .
The paper including the Appendices referred to can be accessed via the CCG website Meetings & Events - Cheshire CCG. You can attend the meeting virtually using the same link.
Alternatively, PRESS HERE to view the agenda for the meeting, including all the reports submitted by Danebridge and our "Save Our Surgery" team.
STATEMENT
Application to close Sandiway Surgery by Danebridge Medical Practice - decision of the NHS Cheshire CCG Primary Care Commissioning Committee
At its meeting on the 22 July 2021, the Primary Care Commissioning Committee of NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) approved the application by Danebridge Medical Practice, Northwich to permanently close its branch premises in Sandiway, Northwich.
The CCG has now formally written to Danebridge Medical Practice outlining that the exact date of the closure still needs to be confirmed following agreement of a branch premises closure plan between the CCG and the Practice. The CCG has been clear to the Practice that this will be at a date no sooner than 90 days from the date (22 July 2021) of approval of the application by the Committee.
The Committee, at its meetings, also instructed the Practice that as part of its closedown plan that it needs to continue to engage with and communicate with its patients so as to ensure that patients are aware of the changes and the date that they will take effect.
Furthermore, the Committee has requested that Danebridge Medical Practice maintains a continual dialogue with its patients and the communities that it provides services to, listens to the feedback it receives around its service offer, and provides ample opportunity for its patients to shape the delivery model so that it meets the needs of its patients and continues the work it is undertaking to address the concerns raised around access and support to services, especially those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and/or who may face barriers to access services.
Further information regarding the closedown plan will be brought back to a future meeting of the Primary Care Commissioning Committee. Details around future dates can be found at www.cheshireccg.nhs.uk/meetings
Please refer to the Danebridge Medical Practice website https://www.danebridge.org.uk/ for further news regarding the closure and details regarding opportunities to get involved with the Practice.
Our MP Edward Timpson has written in support of the 'Save Our Surgery' campaign to the CCG and to the Chair of the CCG PCCC. The PCCC is the decision making committee and will consider the application by Danebridge to close Sandiway Surgery. The meeting is due to be held in public on the 22nd July. He has also written to the Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Subject: Edward Timpson CBE MP - The Application by Danebridge Medical Practice to close Sandiway Surgery
Good afternoon,
As you are aware I have been following progress on this application since it was first communicated to my constituents in December 2019. Local residents have established the “Save Our Surgery” group and have produced a number of excellent reports on behalf of patients, including submissions to the Cheshire West and Chester Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and to CCG - Primary Care Commissioning Committee. They have also reviewed the Equality and Quality Impact Assessment (EQIA) produced by the CCG and presented at the PCCC meeting; and most recently they have reported on the Patient Engagement Sessions carried out by CCG and DMP at the request of the PCCC.
I believe that there are a number of key issues that have been raised by patients and that need to be comprehensively addressed by the NHS and local government before any decisions are made about the future of Sandiway surgery.
Primary Care for Rural populations
Cuddington / Sandiway is a Key Service Centre (KSC) providing medical, commercial and social services to residents and to the surrounding rural population. Cheshire West and Chester identified a total of 10 KSCs in its Local Plan that was made in 2017. In the “Settlement Analysis”, used in determining the suitability of a settlement to be a KSC, the first listed criteria are the existence of a GP surgery and pharmacy. Every KSC in Cheshire West and Chester has a GP surgery and a pharmacy. I believe that the implication of attempting to close down the surgery at Sandiway is a matter for local government as well as NHS consideration. The Cuddington Neighbourhood Plan, made in February 2019, confirms development plans for housing and commercial development based on the presumption that Cuddington / Sandiway is a KSC.
The stark reality here is that this proposal withdraws primary care close to home, for 3500 patients and for a growing community of over 5300. If this surgery closes after 90 years of provision then it is unlikely that it will ever be replaced. This existing asset providing primary care solutions should not be lost as it is a vital part of the KSC, supporting the surrounding rural area.
NHS Strategy
The NHS vision statement is “enabling people to live healthier and more independent lives through high-quality seamless care.” National policies direct the NHS to aim to reduce its environmental impact, and the CCG has declared an intent to reduce the carbon footprint of care provision in Cheshire. Policy is now being developed to provide accessible integrated primary care, follow up treatment, and social care for all the population.
I believe that the closure of a surgery 5 miles from the Practice Medical Centre is not in line with the stated NHS mission, vision and values.
Management of the Danebridge Medical Practice (DMP)
The Practice has avoided giving any answers to its patients on the financial reasons for seeking closure but it is clear that with the announcement that two senior partners are leaving the practice, that there are possibly significant financial issues within DMP.
Patients have been told that a figure of £250-300K is required to bring the surgery up to standard but DMP has only referred to needing a new fire exit and a disabled toilet. Clearly the work must be more extensive for the quoted price.
DMP has cited other reasons for not wishing to operate the surgery including lone working. I recognise that this is not a mode of working that is acceptable these days but lone working should not be necessary when there are according to the DMP website 19 GPs (including 8 Practice Partners), 12 nurses, 4 MSK practitioners and a pharmacy team of 3.The ratio of medically competent practitioners to patients in this practice is probably 1:700, based on a total patient population of 25000. On this basis, 3500 Sandiway patients should be entitled to 5 professional staff. Even allowing for a FT equivalence of 0.6 across the practice Sandiway could be allocated 3 staff at all times.
Patients are struggling to understand why this cannot be managed.
PCCC expectations
The Chair of the PCCC wrote to Danebridge and to the chair of the CWaC OSC to describe what was being asked of the Practice, following the meeting in November 2020 DMP were asked to justify the decision to upscale services from Kingsmead over Sandiway, and to detail how the loss of capacity at Sandiway will be addressed. In addition they were asked to produce a description of the future delivery model.
Having examined the recent report written on behalf of patients by the Save Our Surgery Group I can see no evidence that any of these points have been discussed with patients. I do not believe that this aligns with the NHS Core values “care, respect, and communication.”
The reasonable expectations of patients and residents are:
I believe that these are reasonable expectations and I look forward to hearing from you on this matter, including how my constituents’ expectations will be met.
With many thanks for your continued support for this important matter.
Edward
cc DMP, Healthwatch Cheshire, Kate Cernik (Chair CWaC OSC) , CWaC CEO and Leader, CWaC Cllrs
Edward Timpson CBE MP
Member of Parliament for Eddisbury
Following receipt of the letter, Danebridge Medical Practice replied in the following way:
Dear Mr Timpson CBE MP,
Thank you for your recent email/ letter outlining your concerns regarding Danebridge Medical Centre’s application to close the Sandiway (SW) Surgery.
As a partnership we have discussed the points you have raised and wish to respond to you in advance of the forthcoming PCCC meeting.
Primary care for rural populations
This point is beyond the remit of the practice to comment upon however we wish to draw your attention to the fact that there is another NHS GP surgery situated just 1.7 miles from the SW Surgery and should the application to close the surgery be successful then patients can express their choice and register with that practice if they wish.
The pharmacy in Sandiway is unrelated to our application to close the surgery and should our application be successful will remain delivering a service to local residents.
In addition may we draw your attention to the recent communication from CWAC (appendix 1) relating to this point
NHS Strategy
It is our intention should our application to close SW branch Surgery be successful we would continue to offer high quality seamless care for the residents of Sandiway. The current pandemic has changed working practices all across the country in primary care. Over the past year we have had no option but to close the SW surgery for reasons of patient safety, as we were unable to meet the COVID safe working standards at SW. There is no evidence that our patients have suffered any adverse outcomes in terms of their health due to this significantly restricted service offered at SW. Their ability to lead healthy and independent lives has been unaffected by the significantly reduced service at the SW Surgery. Therefore, in conclusion we believe that due to these recent observations that the residents of Sandiway will be able to continue to live healthy and independent lives despite a successful application to close the SW Surgery.
We take the care of all or patients very seriously, both young and old. We have worked closely with Northwich Primary Care Network to improve our domiciliary service offered at the practice. We now have a paramedic who works with the team offering home visits. We continue to offer home visits to patients across all areas in our catchment area and with a successful application to close the SW Surgery this would not change.
As a practice we review our appointments system regularly and I would draw your attention to the most recent report the practice has submitted to the PCCC (appendix 2) regarding the financial implications upon the practice of needing to redevelop the SW Surgery and also the recent developments of our appointments system that allows for significantly more flexible appointment times especially beneficial to elderly and disabled patients.
We acknowledge that should our application to close SW Surgery be successful then patients would need to travel further for face to face appointments. However this is in line with the Government’s driven initiatives to develop centres of excellence and surgeries that can provide complete care for the patient at one site, e.g. offering phlebotomy services, Community Care services, minor ops, Gynaecology services, midwifery services, musculoskeletal services and many others which no doubt will be developed in time.
Management of the Danebridge Medical Centre
The departure of two senior partners is coincidental to our application to close SW Surgery and has no bearing upon our decision to make the application.
A significant amount of building work including significant structural work would be needed to develop SW Surgery into a fit for purpose building allowing the provision of safe and effective care for our patients. In addition to creating appropriate disabled access and toilet facilities and a safe and modern fire safety system (including new fire exit, fire alarm system and emergency lighting) the following works would need to be completed.
Having considered your points about the ratio of clinicians working at SW surgery and our other sites we feel the following points are important to understand. The issue of lone working is a serious one and an issue that the LMC are aware of as a problem. As our website states we have numerous clinicians working within the practice, however only one of these clinicians is working full time, and this GP partner is soon to reduce their commitment at the practice. We currently have approximately 10 FTE GPs working in the practice. Sandiway residents represent 14% of the practice population allowing for the provision of 1.4 GP’s time per week. One must remember that any provision we offer in the practice is also affected by annual leave, study leave and sickness.
Junior doctors and practice nurses in the practice expect another GP to be working alongside them. A pharmacist, another practice nurse or MSK clinician is not able to offer the degree of support they need. We simply cannot offer this level of provision at the Sandiway Surgery.
Primary Care Commissioning Committee (PCCC) expectations
Contrary to your suggestions at the request of the PCCC the practice has engaged with the Sandiway residents, including those members of the Residents Action Group, the practice participation group and with the support of Healthwatch. The practice has arranged four remote sessions, in-line with COVID restrictions, with patients to discuss the issues the PCCC highlighted as areas that needed further discussion between practice and patients. The CCG allocated a Chair for the meetings and the outcome of the meetings (which have been shared on the practice website and Facebook page) is summarised in the document recently submitted to the PCCC for consideration at the forthcoming PCCC meeting. Dr Mullin and Dr Perry alongside the Practice Manager will be present at the forthcoming PCCC meeting to elaborate on the written submission and answer any questions raised by the committee members.
The reasonable expectations of patients and residents are:
The practice has considered the points you have raised regarding expectations of the patients and residents. We believe that we have addressed all these issues in detail in the recent report submitted for the consideration of the PCCC.
The standard of the facilities at the Danebridge and Kingsmead sites are far superior to those currently offered at the Sandiway site. The Kingsmead site is a modern building which was purpose built and has very modern facilities with spacious and well fitted rooms to offer care from.
We have been and continue to develop the facilities at The Danebridge site. Recently we have fitted modern lighting throughout the building and modern appropriate flooring has been laid throughout the majority of the building. We have recently decorated the building throughout and continue to make financial provision to continue to modernise and upgrade the interior of the building and its facilities.
We hope that this response and the attached documents have addressed adequately the concerns you have raised.
With kind regards
The Partners at Danebridge Medical Practice
Following the recent Engagement Sessions held by Danebridge with a few patients to discuss their proposal to close Sandiway surgery, the 'Save Our Surgery' Action Group has written a comprehensive report on the sessions. This has been sent to Danebridge and to the CCG as well as to our MP Edward Timpson.
PRESS HERE to view the report.
It is still not too late to Formally Complain to Danebridge.
The Primary Care Commissioning Committee will meet virtually on 22nd July to consider the Danebridge application further.
Danebridge are writing to patients who complain saying:
“I am sorry that you feel the need to complain about the statement shared in the Round Tower publication, which stated that we had received no complaints regarding the proposed surgery closure this year (2020/21). I would however like to confirm that we did receive a number of complaints in 2019/20; it is a shame that the information provided as part of the recent engagement events has been misrepresented in the Round Tower.”
Danebridge stated in Focus Group 3 output that there had been zero complaints in 2020/21 - see below:
This was not written by the Round Tower - it was reported verbatim in the Round Tower. The Round Tower prides itself on dealing with facts, sharing information and does not mislead.
Save Our Surgery Action Group
On behalf of Cuddington Parish Council
Postscript: The SOS Action Group have had the following communications with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) regarding reviews they have made of the Danebridge practice over the past 2 years:
www.cuddingtonandsandiwayonline.org was created 5 years ago as an output from the Cuddington Parish “Village Plan”. The main aim has been to raise awareness of existing services, activities and facilities in the village and to communicate news and opinion which embraces all village sources. The Parish Council continue sponsorship and support for the website.
The website is typically visited by 2,000 ‘unique visitors’ each month and receives ~3,500 visits per month, with users accessing multiple pages each visit.
The Website Development Team are tasked with regular validation and updating of all the information displayed. They aim to ensure that the News / What’s On sections of the website always remain up-to-date and relevant.
'Four Houses - Ashbank House, The Old Mill House, White Lodge, The Round Tower' by Jill E King - C.C.Publishing(Chester) priced £11.95.
This month, May 2021, sees the publication of the sixth book by local writer and historian Jill King.
The stories of four different houses, and those who have lived in them for over 200 years.
This fascinating read from new, original research can be obtained by contacting the author directly on 01606-888402 / email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by visiting the publisher's website - www.cc-publishing.co.uk
The local Parish is covered by a number of GP Practices based in Northwich, Weaverham and Frodsham. Currently, the practice with the most local patients is Danebridge Medical Centre. This page refers only to the Danebridge Patient Participation Group (PPG) - other GP Practices will have their own PPG groups and should be reached through their websites / offices.
The PPG, sometimes also known as the PRG (Patient Reference Group), continue to work with the Practice for the Practice. The PPG is a committee of voluntary patients who support the work of the practice – this unique partnership between patients and their practices is essential to achieving high quality and responsive care. The Danebridge committee meet monthly along with practice representatives to discuss matters arising and to discuss on-going suggested improvements within the practice. From 1 April 2015, it has been a requirement in the GP Contract for all practices to have a PPG.
The role of the PPG includes:
The PPG would welcome any views and/or concerns you may have, but they must be about general issues. You can address any mail to Danebridge PPG, c/o Danebridge Medical Centre (see www.danebridge.org.uk/danebridge-medical-centre) or email your comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also drop a note in at any of the three reception desks. The PPG would love to hear your views and concerns, but they must be about general issues - the PPG cannot cover personal matters. Please take up any personal issues directly with the surgery.
Should you wish to discuss any relevant topic with one of these local PPG members, please send a message to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (listed on the “Contact Us” page) and somebody will call you.
Minutes of the PPG meetings are listed here: www.danebridge.org.uk/prg-minutes and other information here: www.danebridge.org.uk/patient-reference-group-prg.
PRESS HERE to view the website for the National Association of Patient Participation.