THE provision of vital GP services in Okehampton will go under the spotlight at a special public meeting in the town today (Thursday). Anyone concerned about the issue is urged to attend the meeting, which will be held in the Ockment Centre this evening. It will examine how best to provide GP services and wider health care in the town and will focus mainly on the Okement GP practice, based at Okehampton Community Hospital, that Devon Primary Care Trust has decided to no longer run directly. Okement is one of only two practices in Devon to be run by the PCT, the other 105 practices in the county are run by GPs themselves. The PCT said: ?These practices work under contract with the trust, with GPs deciding how best to organise their practice, staff and work. This is the normal situation nationwide and allows local doctors to decide on the best ways of practicing local care.? A number of local GP practices have indicated that they would be interested in running the service for Okement patients. PCTs prefer to allow GPs to run practices as this allows them to provide incentives to encourage an improved service. A consultation this autumn among the existing patients at the Okement practice found that, of the 41.4% that completed questionnaires, many were ?full of praise? for the quality of the service they have, despite a turnover in staff. The PCT said: ?The answers show that most patients were happy with the Okement practice?s location and facilities and would like their practice located there in the future. ?In their responses 81% said they wanted the practice put out to tender. 1% said they would be happy to see the practice closed with 7% marking ?other? as their preference.? The PCT also received feedback from other people with an interest in the practice, including staff, other GP practices and the Local Medical Council. The meeting will seek views on the priorities for healthcare services in Okehampton. Rebecca Harriott, director of service development for the PCT, said: ?This is a chance for us to make sure that Okehampton has a full range of primary care services in place for years to come with strong GP practices working with the hospital. ?We are really keen to hear from local people about their ideas and about what is most important to them in terms of health care.? The provision of healthcare in Okehampton remains a contentious issue in light of the continued development of extra housing and a potential 1,200 extra patients. The PCT is keen to stress that the overall level of services for Okehampton will not be decreasing. Kevin Hale, assistant director of primary care, said: ?There is increasing pressure on Okehampton?s services as its population grows and a need to ensure the town and surrounding villages are properly supported by adequate health services. ?We want to see a highly valued, sustainable service is ensured for the people of Okehampton. ?We want to get it right, not just for now, but for the longer term.? Rebecca Harriott and Kevin Hale will be joined at the meeting by Sally Ecroyd, PCT communications manager, and Jenny McNeill, assistant director of strategic development. There will be a presentation followed by an open forum for any questions from the audience. The meeting starts at 6pm ? all are welcome.
