The public is invited to have their say on plans to merge GP Practices this month.

Multiple virtual meetings are set to be held next week, as part of the consultation period for plans to bring Workington's five GP Practices together.

The West Cumbria Community Forum, run by Healthwatch Cumbria, will host two public meetings on Friday, December 11, giving residents the opportunity to share their thoughts on the merger.

Sue Stevenson, chief operating officer of Healthwatch Cumbria, said: “It’s really important that patients have the chance to ask questions and share their views with the people leading the plans for change.

"It’s really hard at this time because we can’t offer opportunities face to face, but we want to offer the chance for people to get involved."

The sessions will be held on Zoom between 10am-11am and 1.30pm-2.30pm, chaired by the Archdeacon of West Cumberland, the Venerable Richard Pratt, who lives in Workington.

He said: “We know the GPs and their teams want to make improvements and are keen to hear what patients think and this is one additional way of people having the chance to get involved.

"We know online conversations won’t work for everyone, but we hope it is an extra way of sharing any ideas or concerns.”

The practices have worked together more closely over the last six years, developing the Workington Primary Care Centre to improve same-day services for people in the town.

Now the five surgeries are exploring a more joined up approach which will make services more resilient for patients.

Dr Niall McGreevy, James Street Practice GP and leader of the Workington Primary Care Network (PCN), said: "We are grateful to Healthwatch Cumbria for supporting this work.

"We’ve already had an enormous response from our patients, and have a sense that people have concerns about seeing the same health professionals and getting appointments more quickly.

“We have also had feedback from people saying that if it improves access to services we should just get on with it.

“We will answer questions and listen to what patients want to tell us, and would urge people to get involved if they can.”

To take part in the meetings, email enquiries@northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk, outlining which session you wish to join.

Questions should be submitted in advance, and patients can also provide feedback by filling in an online Workington Patient Survey, writing to your local Practice, or emailing enquiries@northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk.