Future of Plymouth’s Mayflower GP service secured

Local health and care provider, Livewell Southwest, has been named as the new organisation responsible for the running of the Mayflower Medical Group of GP practices in Plymouth from April 2022.

The Group, which covers five sites in Plymouth, is responsible for providing GP services for nearly 40,000 people in the city.

The current arrangements, with provider Access Health Care are due to come to an end on 31 March and Livewell Southwest has stepped in to take on this large service, ensuring that people can continue to receive local GP services.

The transition shouldn’t cause any disruption to either staff or patients.  Patients are being reassured that it’s business as usual at the practice and they should continue to access their practice in the normal way.

Staff at the five sites have been reassured that their employment will transfer to Livewell Southwest and that they have a key role in the future of the service.

Jo Turl, Director of Commissioning at NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“We are pleased to announce that Plymouth organisation, and community interest company, Livewell Southwest will take over the running of Mayflower Medical Group from 1 April 2022.

“Livewell Southwest already provide a wide range of health and care services in Plymouth and are well-placed to provide the support needed at Mayflower until a longer-term solution is in place. 

“We are working closely with Livewell Southwest and the current provider to ensure a smooth transition in the handover, with minimal disruption to patients and staff.  Patients do not need to take any action and should continue to access the service as usual.”

“We thank Access Health Care – which currently runs the service - for its dedication in running this service.”

Michelle Thomas, Chief Executive at Livewell Southwest, said:  “We are delighted to take on this opportunity as we so highly value the work of GPs and our Primary Care Networks in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local communities.

“Our existing knowledge of these communities and fantastic relationships with our partners in health and care across Plymouth make us an excellent fit for supporting the development of this group of GP practices.

“We really look forward to joining the team at Mayflower and working with the dedicated staff who work there.”