GP group set to change the future of healthcare

A progressive GP group headquartered in Plymouth has expanded its presence across the region with a view to reinventing the traditional general practice structure, using funding from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. 

Crownhill Surgery in Plymouth is the latest surgery to be incorporated into the Pathfields Practice group, purchased with the support of a six-figure loan from the bank. The acquisition follows a significant period of expansion for Pathfields which has grown from 7,500 patients to serve 14,000 people across the region over the past four years.

The practice also plans to add a further two surgeries and employ three salaried doctors in the next 12 months, bringing the patient population to 19,000.

As part of the growth strategy, the group is also aiming to re-evaluate the traditional GP structure across the surgeries by upskilling nurses and pharmacists to provide specialist in-house care. The new system will allow patients to be treated for minor ailments or receive medication without having to book an appointment with a GP, meaning that the doctor’s time can be allocated to deal with more serious patient concerns.

The concept is at the forefront of change in the profession and Pathfields will be one of a small number to implement this new system of service provision.

The group is also in the process of setting up a General Practice Federation Company with twelve other practices in the area. Once established, the federation will service 80,000 patients in the region, giving them in-house access to diagnostic tests and primary level care from specialist clinicians including cardiologists, ENT doctors and dermatologists – avoiding the need to be admitted to hospital.

Dr Gary Lenden, partner at Pathfields Practice, said: “By providing specialist training for supporting clinical staff, we hope all patients in the local communities have timely access to the highest quality care.

“We’ve developed this concept over a number of years, and having access to a specialist healthcare Lloyds Bank relationship manager throughout the acquisition and expansion process has been extremely helpful.”

Mike Craigie, relationship manager, healthcare, SME Banking at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Pathfields Practice is a brilliant example of the innovation that’s taking place within the healthcare profession.

“At Lloyds Bank we have a detailed knowledge of the healthcare sector needs. As a result we’re able to offer tailored solutions to support the industry’s goals and enable professionals to provide patients with top level care.”