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GP Leader Speaks At Merton Residents Healthcare Forum

Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth LMC Chair Dr Marek Jarzembowski recently addressed a meeting held by the Merton Residents Healthcare Forum (MRHF) on Wednesday 29 January, alongside Mr David Sturgeon, representing NHSEngland, London region, and Dr Andy Murray, representing Merton’s CCG.

The topic of the meeting was 'Changes in the Role of GPs and Implications for Patients'.  

This meeting was one of a series organised by MRHF in order to inform the public about current issues in the NHS. 

The three speakers talked about the changes GPs faced as they saw them from their different perspectives. David Sturgeon talked about London-wide issues within the context of ‘A Call to Action’, and Andy Murray, presented his role as a Board member on the CCG.  

Dr Jarzembowski spoke about the changes in the working life of a local GP.  He outlined many of the typical frustrations that patients express, such as difficulty in getting appointments or even getting through on the phone, explaining that they are well-known to everyone and that they cause just as much  frustration for GPs as for patients. He outlined to the meeting the huge number of changes that have affected GPs in their everyday  work over the last decade and the pressures caused by ever-growing bureaucracy and tick-box exercises as well as the increasing demand for more complex services.

Dr Jarzembowski expressed his thanks to the Merton Residents Healthcare Forum for inviting him to speak and acknowledged that the scope of the topic could easily have filled a full day’s discussion. He was particularly encouraged by the breadth and range of the questions that were put to the three speakers both during their presentations and afterwards in a panel session.

Approximately 60 residents on a cold, wet night attended, representing a full house.  Members of the public from across Merton were present. 

If you would like to be informed about future meetings, please contact Merton Residents Healthcare Forum, details below.

MRHF was formed in 2012 as an independent, voluntary organisation.  It aims primarily to provide information and critical appraisal of the commissioning, provision and monitoring of health and social care as a contribution to the development of high quality NHS services for the residents of Merton.  MRHF2012@hotmail.co.uk

Last updated : 10 Feb 2014

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