Following our investigation into Cardinal Medical Practice, Patrick Spencer, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has followed Jack Abbott by calling for urgent action as the practice continues to struggle three years after its formation.
Why it matters: Over 30,000 Ipswich residents are affected by ongoing issues at the practice, including poor accessibility and low patient satisfaction.
The big picture: A survey of GP patients in July 2024 revealed persistent problems at Cardinal Medical Practice since its controversial formation in July 2021.
By the numbers:
Only 15% of patients find it easy to contact the practice by phone, compared to 50% nationally
53% rate their overall experience as good, well below the national average of 67%
What they're saying: In a statement issued to Ipswich.co.uk, Patrick Spencer said, "For too long residents in North Ipswich and surrounding areas including Claydon, Barham and Henley have been struggling to access the good quality patient care and health services they deserve."
He went on to say, "Cardinal Medical Practice clearly still has challenges and I will be seeking an early meeting with them, but in the meantime we are still waiting for delivery of the new 'super surgery' which will deliver improved services for residents and I will be meeting with Suffolk and North East Essex [ICB] as a priority to understand what more needs to be done to get this surgery over the line."
Between the lines: Spencer's predecessor, Dr Dan Poulter, first raised concerns in September 2021 before a May 2022 Care Quality Commission inspection rated the practice as "Requires Improvement".
What's next: Spencer has committed to:
Seeking an early meeting with Cardinal Medical Practice
Meeting with Suffolk and North East Essex ICB to expedite the "super surgery" project
The bottom line: While Spencer's intervention is a good thing, it remains to be seen whether it will lead to meaningful improvements in patient care at a practice that has faced ongoing challenges.
Go deeper: If you've been affected by issues at Cardinal Medical Practice, contact editor@ipswich.co.uk or use our anonymous online form to share your experiences.
