Plans being developed to provide for patients after West Cambs Federation ceases trading

News - 12 January 2024

Efforts are underway to support patients who have been affected by West Cambs Federation ceasing trading.

West Cambs Federation provided Enhanced Access services in the evening and at weekends for patients on behalf of the following local Primary Care Networks (PCNs):

  • A1 Network PCN
  • Fenland PCN
  • Huntingdon PCN
  • South Fenland PCN
  • St Ives PCN
  • St Neots PCN

The PCNs will continue to deliver these appointments but in a range of different ways. For example, some will be offering the Enhanced Access appointments directly via their GP Practices whilst others will seek to work with a suitably experienced partner, so that local people across the region continue to receive the care they need.

As before, Enhanced Access appointments are still being offered and will be provided by a range of medical professionals. Patients may be asked to travel to a hub location other than their own practice to attend a face-to-face appointment. NHS 111 services are not affected by this situation.

West Cambs Federation also provided some Primary Care Network (PCN) with supporting in hosting specific roles, such as Social Prescribers, and health checks for people experiencing severe mental illness.

The local Integrated Care Board (ICB) is currently in late-stage negotiations with an experienced provider to run the Eating Disorder Support service. They are also working with local Primary Care Networks to provide severe mental illness (SMI) annual health checks to eligible patients.

Should patients have any concerns in advance of this, they can contact the Patient Experience Team via cpicb.pet@nhs.net or by calling 0800 279 2535.

Stewart Francis, Chair of Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “We are naturally concerned about this news and for the wellbeing of all patients who may be affected by it. We appreciate the swift response of the ICB, supported by the goodwill of GPs, who have stepped in to put arrangements in place and keep services running as smoothly as possible.

“As the local health and care champion, we want to see the situation resolved as soon as possible so that people can continue to have access to the care they need in a seamless and effective manner, and have the peace of mind that comes with that.”

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