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Independent panel supports decision not to award out-of-hours GP contract to Shropdoc

The controversial decision to award Shropshire's out-of-hours GP contract to a new provider has today been backed by a national, independent panel.

By Megan Jones
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Shropshire NHS bosses' decision to name a new preferred provider for the county's out-of-hours GP service earlier this year prompted a backlash from county residents.

It meant the service would no longer be provided by Shropshire Doctors Co-operative Limited (Shropdoc), a co-operative organisation which has been operating since 1996.

The contract was instead set to be awarded to Wiltshire-based company Medvivo.

The decision was quickly met with some anger, with more than 14,000 people signing a petition calling for the reversal of the decision. 

A protest was held outside The Guildhall in Shrewsbury to try and save the Shropdoc out-of-hours GP service. Picture: LDRS
A protest was held outside The Guildhall in Shrewsbury to try and save the Shropdoc out-of-hours GP service. Picture: LDRS

In April, Shropdoc approached the Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel to consider the decision by NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board (STW ICB).

Now, the independent panel has found that commissioners acted "in accordance with regulations" and should go ahead with awarding the contract to Medvivo. 

A 28-page document published today (Wednesday, July 2) concludes: "Given the panel’s findings that STW ICB acted in accordance with the PSR Regulations, the panel advises STW ICB to proceed with the proposed contract award as originally intended."

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has welcomed the panel's conclusion, adding that it will now consider the full report.

A statement from the organisation said: "NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (NHS STW) is now able to confirm receipt of the national Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel’s report regarding the outcome of the representation received for the GP out-of-hours service procurement.

"The independent panel’s findings confirm that NHS STW acted in full accordance with the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) regulations, conducting a transparent, fair and proportionate procurement process in full compliance with statutory and legal requirements."

Gemma Smith, director for commissioning at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, added: “We welcome this report and remain committed to delivering a high-quality, value-for-money out-of-hours service that meets the needs of local communities. This outcome reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved throughout this complex process.

“We thank the panel for their thorough review and will now carefully consider the full report.”