PATIENTS of a GP practice are being consulted over the future of its services as they face a cut in opening hours and the prospect of getting access to a doctor elsewhere.

Easington Colliery residents registered with a GP at the Easington Healthworks are invited to have their say to “shape a service to best meet their needs” as the current contract for the practice ends on March 31.

Health commissioners have assured patients core health services, including GP appointments and prescriptions, will still be available at the practice.

But there will be changes to the way the service is contracted and there may be a change to the provider.

The changes will mean a reduction in hours at the Easington site, however patients will be able to access services at an alternative main site, health commissioners say.

NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the organisation responsible for commissioning GP services locally, is working with NHS England to secure the provision of the service and wants to hear patients’ views about the changes.

Dr Craig Melrose, medical director for NHS England Cumbria and the North East, said: “Easington Healthworks opened in 2009 and the current GP contract is due to come to an end on 31 March 2016.

“NHS England is committed to providing a service to patients in Easington, and we are talking with patients and stakeholders about how the service could be provided after March 31.

“Unfortunately, we know that the contract changes will result in reduced opening hours at the Easington site.

“We’d like to reassure patients that there will be the option to access a full range of services at an alternative main practice site.

“All patients registered with the practice have been written to explaining next steps. We would encourage patients to complete any surveys and attend information sessions, as this will help us to shape a service to best meet their needs."

Other services at Easington Healthworks will remain unaffected.

Information sessions will be held at the Easington Social Welfare Centre, Seaside Lane South, Easington Colliery from 6pm to 7pm on Thursday January 21 and from 10am too 11am on Monday January 25.

Patients are encouraged to share their views by attending the sessions. There is also the opportunity to feedback comments by completing a survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/easingtonhealthworkssurvey.