We understand that GPs Surgeries are finding it difficult to cope as the demands on them increase but is merging three hard pushed surgeries in to one supersized partnership looking after a massive 44,500 people really the answer?

The consultation letter indicates cost savings would be made, but not exactly how appointment waiting times will be reduced. It’s difficult to see how the proposed merger will improve patient services and respond to future needs.

Most of us wait several weeks for a routine Doctors appointment, and we are not confident that the proposals outline will do anything to solve that.

Presumably the cost savings in mentioned in the letter will include rationalising reception, telephone and administration services.

How much harder will it be to get through on the phone for an appointment when the phone system will have three times the number of people trying to get through.

We share the concerns of many that only having one practice offering a “Duty Doctor Clinic” means that anyone needing an urgent appointment will have to go to the Camrose surgery in South Ham no matter where they live.

What will be the legal status of the new partnership – is this is further privatisation of the NHS through the backdoor?

This is the sort of question you have been asking us during our conversations on the doorstep.

To help the Basingstoke Labour Councillor team please let us know your views.

Things people have already mentioned include:

• Losing the relationship with the doctors, nurses and practitioners that you know, and that know you and understand your issues.
• Worries about getting through on the phone for appointments
• The distances to travel between surgeries.
• The cost of bus journeys
• Travel difficulties for the elderly, disabled and those with young children

Let us know if this or anything else affects you to.