Are you closing Trinity Street surgery?
No decision has been made at this stage. We are currently asking patients and the community to share their views on a proposal to bring services together at our Bowthorpe site. This engagement is an important part of the process, and patient feedback will directly inform what happens next.
Why are you considering this change?
We are considering this because the Trinity Street building is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and may no longer meet modern standards for safe healthcare.
At the same time, the Bowthorpe site allows us to provide care in a more modern environment, with access to a wider clinical team and more appointments.
However, we fully recognise that buildings are only part of the story, and this is why we are taking the time to understand the impact on patients before making any decisions.
Patients value Trinity Street – are you ignoring their views?
Absolutely not. We know Trinity Street surgery is highly valued, and we completely understand why patients feel strongly about it. That connection is important to us.
This engagement is specifically about listening to those views in detail, understanding what matters most to patients, and making sure their voices shape the outcome.
How are you making sure patients are heard?
We are offering a range of ways for people to share their views, including:
- written surveys (online and paper)
- direct contact with the practice
- support for those who may need help responding
- working with patient groups and community organisations
We are also making a particular effort to reach people who may find it harder to take part, so that all voices are represented – not just the loudest.
What about patients who cannot travel to Bowthorpe?
We understand that travel may be a real concern for some patients. That is exactly why we are asking for feedback – so we can fully understand who would be affected and how. If the proposal was to go ahead, we would work with patients individually to ensure they are supported to access care in a way that works for them, including exploring local alternatives where appropriate.
Isn’t this just about saving money?
Our priority is safe, high-quality patient care. The condition of the Trinity Street building means significant investment would be required, but the key issue is whether it can continue to provide care that meets modern clinical standards. We are carefully considering how best to provide sustainable services for all patients, while also listening to what matters most to them.
Will patients lose access to their usual GP?
Continuity of care is very important to us. Bringing services together at Bowthorpe may, in fact, improve access to a wider clinical team. However, we recognise that relationships with familiar clinicians are important, and we want to understand patient experiences so we can take this into account.
Why can’t you just fix the Trinity Street building?
The building would require significant investment to address structural concerns.
Alongside cost, we also need to consider whether the building could practically meet modern healthcare standards and future service needs. This is part of the wider conversation we are having with patients – about balancing familiarity and convenience with safety and quality of care.
Are you reducing services in the city centre?
No decision has been made to reduce services. We are exploring whether services could be delivered differently to ensure they are safe, sustainable, and accessible. We also recognise that location matters to patients, which is why we are asking for their views before making any decisions.
Have you already made up your mind?
No. This is a genuine engagement. We are at a stage where we are seeking to understand the impact on patients, and no final decision has been taken.
We are committed to being transparent about what we hear and how it influences the outcome.
What will you do with the feedback you receive?
All feedback will be carefully reviewed. We will look for common themes, understand the impact on different groups of patients, and consider any suggestions or concerns raised. We will then publish a summary of what patients told us, what we learned and how this has informed any final decision.
What if there is strong opposition?
We recognise that this is an important issue and that people may feel strongly. Our role is to listen respectfully and carefully consider all feedback, including concerns and opposition. The purpose of this engagement is to ensure that any decision is fully informed by patient experience and impact.
How long do patients have to respond?
The engagement will run for at least six weeks, giving patients time to consider the information and share their views. We will also issue reminders and provide support to ensure people have every opportunity to take part.
What happens next?
After the engagement period we will review all feedback and will share what we heard publicly. A final decision will be made taking patient views into account.
We will keep patients informed at every stage.
What would you say to patients who feel worried or upset?
We understand that this may feel unsettling, and it is completely natural to feel concerned about changes to local healthcare services. We want to reassure patients that:
- no decision has been made yet
- their views genuinely matter
- we are here to listen and support them
We would strongly encourage anyone with concerns to share their thoughts with us so we can understand and respond.