Basingstoke MP, Maria Miller, is 'watching carefully' to ensure that an improvement in services is made after the sale of GP surgeries in the area.

As previously reported, HCRG Care Group – formerly known as Virgin Care – has agreed to buy Operose Health, which runs nearly 60 NHS GP practices in the UK including the Camrose, Gillies, Hackwood and Beggarwood group of surgeries in Basingstoke.

The news comes after US medical giant Centene, which trades in the UK as Operose Health, announced in August that it was planning to exit the UK health market and sell its GP practices here.

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Basingstoke Gazette:

HCRG Care Group confirmed on Wednesday, December 13 that it had agreed with Centene to transfer ownership of Operose Health.

Dame Maria said: ‘’Decisions on who manages administrative staff is ultimately down to the GPs who run the surgery.

"However, I understand that the HCRG Care Group, who have recently bought Operose Health, are one of the largest health and care services providers to the NHS and have an abundance of experience.

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“I have already met with both Operose and HCRG to emphasise the importance of ensuring residents have access to enough appointments, the ability to readily contact staff over the phone, and that the GP surgeries have enough staff to meet demand.

“HCRG provided assurances that there will be no changes to the team or the services being provided in the short term, however, they did say that additional investment will be provided as and when it is necessary.

“The change of ownership is due to take place in the next few weeks and I will be watching carefully over the coming months to ensure that a significant improvement in services is delivered.’’