Co-operative Medical Care will be under new management from 4th December and will rebrand as First Medical.
The practice, which has sites at Bath Street in St Helier, New Era in St Clement and the surgery at Grand Marché St Peter, will be taken over by a consortia of the current GPs employed by Co-operative Medical Care, ensuring continuity of care for all patients.
The Society introduced Co-operative Medical Care to its business in 2014, which was widely welcomed by Islanders. In February 2020 the Co-op announced that it would enter a period of consultation, which was subsequently put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and resumed in the summer.
Mark Cox, CEO of the Co-op, said: “We are delighted that four of our current GPs have taken the decision to take over the Co-operative Medical Care practice. It was always our preference to hand the reins to our own team, as we have absolute confidence in their dedication, passion and professionalism. This takeover ensures that our patients will continue to receive the same high standards of care, delivered by a familiar team. We have worked with the new management to put in place robust processes that will ensure a smooth transition for all valued patients and the medical and support staff at First Medical.”
Dr Brian Ellis, First Medical, said: “On behalf of the First Medical team I’d like to say how pleased we are to be able to continue delivering high standards of medical care to our current patients from all three practice sites.”
All Islanders who are registered with Co-operative Medical Care have been written to, informing them of the changes. All Islanders registered with Co-operative Medical Care will be automatically registered with First Medical.
Mr Cox added: “We are proud to have led the way with reduced GP fees in Jersey, a hugely positive move which saw many practices follow suit, ensuring Islanders have access to medical care services at prices that they can afford. We are certain that First Medical will continue to build upon this success, providing the Island with a helpful, family friendly, healthcare service which is available to all.”