The future of High Oak Surgery was discussed at DIHC Board on 7th February 2023.
Board considered all the feedback from the recent public conversation, the information on the health needs of the area, and the overwhelming desire from the local community to have a GP presence back in Pensnett. Board made a commitment to ensure that GP appointments would be made available in Pensnett as soon as possible until a longer-term solution could be identified, whilst still maintaining services at the Brierley Hill Health and Social Care Centre.
A number of short-term options have been looked at and we are working through the suitability and feasibility of each option. It is possible that this may take longer than we anticipated due to several unexpected challenges, and we are working hard to find a resolution. We will continue to keep you updated and are committed to being open and honest with you.
Longer term, we are exploring the feasibility of integrating primary care with the local pharmacy, but this will be a lengthy process that we keep under review.
We will also need to make an application to the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) so they can make a decision, based on our recommendations
The decision about the longer-term future will be the subject of a proposal and application to the Black Country ICB Primary Care Sub Committee – we await the Black Country ICB’s final decision.