I have visited Lion Health GP practice to discuss patient care, phone lines and to meet with staff.
I spoke to practice manager Wayne Gardner, partner doctor Glenys Wilson and Jag Tomlinson from the Independent Care Board.
Residents contact me over concerns they cannot get through to the practice on the phone to see a doctor. However, emails about Lion Health have settled down recently.
I was told the phone system was changed in March and Lion Health is due to meet with the company running it soon to discuss further improvements. The practice is also trying to encourage patients to use online services to relieve pressure on phone lines.
Lion Health is one of the biggest GP practices in the area. It has around 25 receptionists and 100 staff.
It has undertaken stakeholder meetings recently to improve community engagement, it is improving its phone lines and it is being open and transparent about the challenges it faces.
I would like to thank Wayne for inviting me and for all they do in challenging times for primary care following the pandemic. I recognise the pressure it and other GP surgeries are under.
I hope to visit the practice again in the future where I can have a tour and further build relationships.
I always keep on top of the emails I receive about Lion Health and there has been a marked improvement of late when it comes to being able to contact it. However, I will continue to speak to Lion Health on behalf of local people, if problems arise.
