Patient engagement evenings

 

We previously wrote to all our registered patients to inform you that Fitzalan Medical Group (including the branch surgery at Wick) and the Coppice Surgery and Angmering Medical Centre, are proposing to merge within the coming year (2026).

Thank you to those who returned the survey, your feedback and support is greatly appreciated. If you have any further questions, we would like to invite you to one of our patient engagement evenings:

  • Tuesday 2nd December 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Littlehampton Town Hall (Manor House, Church St, Littlehampton BN17 5EW)
  • Tuesday 9th December 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Angmering Community Centre (Foxwood Ave, Angmering, Littlehampton BN16 4FU)

Summary of your main responses

We have updated our FAQs below, to include some of our answers.


Do you have any further comments, concerns or queries about the merger?

Most respondents (over 2600) felt adequately informed and did not request further details, often answering “No” or “None.” A few expressed confidence in the merger and were willing to wait and see its impact.

The most frequent concern was regarding access to appointments. Many respondents asked whether the merger would result in more appointment slots, shorter waiting times, or easier access to see a GP. Some expressed concerns about continuity of care, communications and medication delivery.


On a scale of 1-5, do you support or not support the proposed merger?

1 being ‘I do not support the proposed merger’ and 5 being ‘I do support the proposed merger’

Number of respondants

Score 1: 9% (AMC 190 & FMG 119)

 

Score 2: 3% (AMC 66 & FMG 38)

 

Score 3: 27% (AMC 511 & FMG 392)

 

Score 4: 16% (AMC 271 & FMG 268)

 

Score 5: 45% (AMC 627 & FMG 912)

 

Please let us know the reason for your answer?

Many respondents were either supportive or neutral about the proposed merger, with many expressing a “wait and see” attitude. The following potential benefits were highlighted: There may be improved access and flexibility for appointments, enhanced resources and expertise through shared training and clinicians as well as operational efficiencies such as financial stability and greater investment in services.

The most common concern is that the merger may make it harder to get appointments, especially at local surgeries, due to increased patient numbers and stretched resources.

FAQ's

Updated to include someone of our answers


Many respondents asked whether the merger would result in more appointment slots, shorter waiting times, or easier access to see a GP.

Some expressed concerns about continuity of care, communications and medication delivery.

There will be no change to continuity of care, communications and medical delivery as patients will still be registered with their original site. There may be an offer of patient choice, in the future, to attend a nearer site or a clinic with a shorter waiting list. We are hoping that this proposed merger will improve efficiencies and can be reinvested into patient care.


Concern that it may make it harder to get appointments, especially at local surgeries, due to increased patient numbers & stretched resources

We will still have the same amount of registered patients and clinicians within each site, the resources will remain the same or improve in time with the proposed merger.


When would this happen?

We are proposing to merge by 1 January 2026, but this would depend on a number of factors and we will need time to consider all the feedback we receive from our patients.


Would I have to travel to a different surgery for my appointment?

No - there would be no change and you would still be able to attend your usual surgery. However, a benefit would be, in the future, that you would be able to choose the surgery you visit.


Would there be staff redundancies?

No, we would continue to run all surgeries and services as they are run now. There may be opportunities, over time, to increase services and staff.


Would there be different times for surgeries?

No - the hours would stay the same.


How would patient records be shared?

Patient records are already shared, within the clinical systems, as our surgeries already work together as a Primary Care Network.


How frequently will we receive updates including feedback from the survey?

We will endeavour to keep you up to date with outcomes and progress as it happens.


Who can I talk to if I'm unsure about something or want to find out more?

Patient Participation Group (PPG) members will visit surgeries and be available to talk to patients in the waiting rooms. We will hold meetings which patients will be able to attend.

You can complete a feedback form, available from our reception areas, and we will endeavour to answer your query.

You can also leave any questions in our comments box in each surgery reception area.

We will also keep patients updated through:

  • Regular ‘update’ letters
  • Text messages and emails (depending on preferred contact methods)

Updates on our surgery websites:

Updates via surgery social media sites:

We will also continue to update you via regular letters, text messages and emails (depending on preferred contact methods), social media and our websites.

Thank you once again for your support and understanding. We remain committed to providing the highest quality care and support to our patients and local community.

Published: Dec 2, 2025