Here are a list of the FAQ that has been compiled from the responses that we have had from the questionnaire for the proposed merger:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the proposed change affect appointment availability or waiting times at Wish Park Surgery?
Wish Park Surgery in Hove is a large, purpose-built facility with a fully equipped clinical team and ample space to accommodate patient appointments. Many local residents are already familiar with attending routine appointments at this site.
On average:
- 697 appointments are delivered at Wish Park each week (around 47% of all appointments).
- 481 appointments are delivered at Links Road each week (around 57% of all appointments).
Some services require specialist equipment and trained staff, which are only available at Wish Park Surgery. These include:
- Gynaecological and contraceptive services
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Spirometry
- Ear syringing
- Certain injections
Under the proposed model, staff currently based at Links Road Surgery will provide these services from the Wish Park site. We do not anticipate any reduction in appointment availability or an increase in waiting times.
Like many NHS services, we are experiencing high demand. Patients can book via telephone (with a call-back option) or online through SystmConnect to request advice or appointments. Our triage system ensures patients are seen according to clinical need.
Consolidating services at Wish Park Surgery will enable us to provide high-quality care in a modern facility, with greater patient safety and access to specialist services.
Are there enough staff at Wish Park Surgery?
Yes. Wish Park Surgery is supported by a large and varied clinical and administrative team. All staff currently working at Links Road Surgery will transfer to Wish Park Surgery, ensuring continuity of care.
One of the main reasons for this proposal is the difficulty in recruiting staff to the smaller Links Road site, where space limitations often result in doctors working alone. This raises concerns for both staff and patient safety.
By bringing the teams together, we can provide stronger peer support, increase appointment availability, and deliver care in a sustainable, modern environment.
Is there enough space at Wish Park Surgery to support the increase in patients and staff?
Yes. Building works are planned to expand clinical capacity and make full use of available space. This will ensure sufficient room for both the growing patient list and the expanded team.
Works are scheduled to begin in November and are expected to be completed by mid-February. Updates and detailed plans will be shared on our website.
Is there enough parking at Wish Park Surgery?
Wish Park Surgery does not currently have dedicated patient parking. However:
- There are pay-and-display bays nearby.
- Local street parking is free after 11:00 am.
- We are in discussion with the local council regarding a drop-off point and additional disabled parking spaces to improve accessibility.
How will I get my prescriptions if Links Road Surgery closes?
Wish Park Surgery is located next to Kamson Pharmacy, which works closely with the practice. Prescriptions can also be sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy.
I’m worried about the environmental impact of travelling to the surgery. What can be done about this?
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. Closing Links Road Surgery, which is an old, poorly insulated building, will support this aim.
We also welcome ideas from patients on sustainable healthcare—please share suggestions through our online survey or via our merger email address.
When will the final decision be made?
No decision has yet been made. Patient feedback is being gathered, and an application will be submitted to NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board before the end of October 2025.
If approved, changes will not take effect until early 2026. We will continue to keep patients informed.
Do I need to re-register if Links Road Surgery closes?
No. Links Road and Wish Park already use the same clinical IT system, which makes merging records straightforward. Patients will remain registered with the practice.
Face-to-face appointments will take place at Wish Park Surgery, but additional telephone appointments will also be available for those who prefer this.
What if I cannot travel to Wish Park Surgery for face-to-face appointments?
Wish Park Surgery is:
- A 7-minute drive from Links Road Surgery.
- Around 16 minutes by bus (services every 20 minutes).
- Around 23 minutes on foot.
Home visits will continue for housebound patients, and we are expanding telephone appointment availability.
An Equalities and Health Inequalities Impact Assessment (EHIA) will be completed to review the impact on all patient groups. We know this change may affect some groups more than others, particularly:
- Geographically isolated patients
- Older people
- Patients with long-term conditions
- Carers
We are working with stakeholders, the Patient Participation Group (PPG), and local community groups to minimise the impact on these patients.
Is there anything I can do to help?
Yes—we welcome your feedback. Please share your views via:
- Online survey: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/z7KXxtxK1f
- Email: [email protected]
- Dedicated phone line: 01273 412585 (voicemail only—messages will be listened to but not responded to individually).
Your input will help us shape the future of local primary care services.