THE new provider for community health services for three GP practices has been announced.

From June 1, Dorset Healthcare will be the provider of these services at Lyme Regis Medical Centre, Lyme Bay Medical Practice, also known as Kent House, and Charmouth Medical Practice.

The contract was awarded following a tendering process and Dorset Healthcare will provide physiotherapy, community rehabilitation, community beds and community nursing services.

Dr Steven Tomkins, medical director at Dorset Healthcare, said: “We are delighted that we will be providing community services for the people of Lyme Regis and that the staff currently working in the service will be moving to Dorset Healthcare to work with us, bringing their experience, clinical expertise and well-respected caring ethos with them. This will allow for good continuity of care for patients.”

Lyme Regis Medical Centre and Kent House are due to amalgamate from June 1, becoming a single service led by Dr Forbes Watson. This means the staff at both practices will become one team, but services will continue to be provided from both sites.

Patients will be able to collect prescriptions and nominate which hospital they want to access follow up treatment in the same way they do now.

Dr Forbes Watson said: “This is an exciting project for Lyme Regis.

“I am looking forward to bringing the services from the two practices together.

“I believe it is the right thing for Lyme and is consistent with what is happening in Dorset and the rest of the country, where in order for practices to deliver all the services that people need, they are working more closely together.

“I am also looking forward to working more closely with Dorset Healthcare. This will enhance the services that the practices offer, and it is very likely that together we will be able to offer additional services, which has got to be a benefit for local people.”

Dorset CCG is also proposing an improved same-day integrated minor injuries and minor illness service provided at Lyme Regis Medical Centre, which will give residents and visitors access to same day minor injury and illness care.

More detailed plans and updates will be made in the following weeks.

To get involved with future health developments in the Lyme Regis area, join the GP Patient Participation Group at www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk/involve/ppg