THE NHS is paying doctors’ surgeries a £25-a-time cash deal to take on thousands of patients from a closing practice.

Just three days before Eaton Place Surgery closes its doors, it emerged NHS England is forking out thousands of pounds to get nearby practices to take on more patients.

The Brighton surgery shuts on Saturday when partners Dr Malcolm Stalker and Dr Robert Mockett retire.

Patients and campaigners have called for a replacement surgery, claiming nearby doctors are full.

NHS England said it was unable disclose how much has been spent on patient registrations, but The Argus understands it may have committed £25,000 which could rise to nearly £100,000.

Around 1,000 patients had re-registered at the end of January and this week an NHS England spokeswoman said 2,200 patients – out of a total 5,600 – have signed up elsewhere. The deal applies to patients moving practices between February 1 and March 31 and is open to 13 nearby GPs.

NHS England said it was a one-off payment for administrative costs to help patients “re-register safely.”

But patient Maggie Barradell, of Brighton, said: “This really winds me up because we were told the NHS didn’t have money to spend. ] “This could have been better spent on a long-term solution instead of a quick fix.”

Nancy Platts, Labour parliamentary candidate for Kemptown, said: “I question if this is a good use of public money.

“NHS England need to show some leadership and we need another surgery.

“At the eleventh hour about 3,500 people still don’t have another GP and many are anxious about the future.”

An NHS England spokeswoman urged patients to find another doctor as soon as possible and said the body was not responsible for setting up new surgeries.

She added: “NHS England’s ongoing priority is to make sure all affected patients are able to choose alternative arrangements for their care and to guarantee they will all have ongoing access to GP services once the current surgery closes.

“We are providing support to reimburse practices for any administrative costs they incur in registering new patients.

“This reflects the imminent closure of Eaton Place and the number of patients other practices need to support to re-register safely.

“This recognises the additional staff and resources they may need and will ensure they can maintain services at the same level for their existing patients while they are undertaking this work.”

- Registration sessions take place at Eaton Place Surgery today between 2pm and 6pm and tomorrow between 10am and 2pm, and at Wellsbourne Health Centre, Whitehawk Road, Whitehawk, on Wednesday, March 4, 10am to 2pm.

 

The other surgeries

 

 Albion Street Surgery

9 Albion Street

Brighton BN2 9PS

Telephone: 01273 601122

 

 

 Ardingly Court

1 Ardingly Street

Brighton BN2 1SS

Telephone:01273 688333

 

 Brighton Station Health Centre

Aspect House

84-87 Queens Road

Brighton BN1 3XE

Telephone: 0333 321 0946

 

Church Surgery

Saunders Park Rise

Lewes Road

Brighton BN2 4ES

(branch surgery of School House)

Telephone: 01273 684500

 

Islingword Road Surgery

79 Islingword Road

Brighton BN2 9SL

Telephone: 01273 681971

 

Lewes Road Surgery

188-9 Lewes Road

Brighton BN2 3LA

Telephone: 01273 603616

 

North Laine Surgery

12-14 Gloucester Street

Brighton BN1 4EW

Telephone: 01273 601112

 

Park Crescent Surgery

1 Lewes Road

Brighton BN2 3HP

Telephone: 01273 523623

 

Ship Street Surgery

65-67 Ship Street

Brighton BN1 1AE

Telephone: 01273 778622

 

Pavilion Surgery

2-3 Old Steine

Brighton BN1 1EJ

Telephone: 01273 685588

 

 

St Peters Medical Centre

30-36 Oxford Street

Brighton BN1 4LA

Telephone: 01273 606006

 

The Practice North Street

1st Floor Boots

129-132 North Street

Brighton BN1 2BE

Telephone: 01273 328080

 

The Practice Whitehawk

Wellsbourne Health Centre

179 Whitehawk Road

Brighton BN2 5FL

Telephone: 01273 310333