Provision of Primary Medical Services at Kirkley Mill Health Centre, Lowestoft

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (NHS Arden and GEM CSU) on behalf of Greater Yarmouth & Waveney CCG invited suitably qualified providers who are capable of delivering primary medical services at Kirkley Mill Health Centre, Lowestoft. The agreement is for a period of 4 years and 11 Months.

The weighted list size is 6 352 with an actual list size of 6 333 which is anticipated to grow in light of housing and population growth. The practice is open 5 days per week, 8 a.m. - 6.30 p.m. Improved access arrangements are in place within the locality with patients having access to routine pre-bookable appointments between 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sundays.

The new provider will be committed to continuous improvement in patient care and primary care services at the practice, developing strong collaborative working relationships with neighbouring practices to find local solutions to primary care matters impacting the Lowestoft area. The primary care network of which Kirkley Mill is a member comprises 7 practices covering a population of 85,100.

The practice serves patients living in one of the most deprived wards in Lowestoft. Life expectancy for males and females in this area is lower than the England average at 76 years for men and 81 years for women, compared to 79 years for men and 83 years for women (England average).

There is a high prevalence of substance misuse, depression, epilepsy and learning disabilities in this cohort of patients. The Local Plan for the Waveney District area of Suffolk for the period 2014 - 2036 has recently been published following a period of consultation and identifies significant house building plans (9235 new homes) in the Waveney area; 56 % (5206 homes) of this growth is planned to happen in Lowestoft.

The latest CQC inspection was carried out in September 2019 and the practice is rated good overall, although requiring improvement in effective care; the practice was previously rated as inadequate overall in January 2017. The new provider will be expected to show continuous improvement against the CQC improvement plan.