Changes to Islington Central Medical Centre and Roman Way Medical Centre
Here’s the letter we are circulating to our patients about future changes to the GP Surgeries at 28 Laycock Street, London N1 1SW
Dear Patient,
We are writing to you as part of our patient engagement regarding the proposed merger of the two practices. To improve services and make the practice more efficient for the future, we want to merge the two practices into one.
We must emphasise that neither practice is closing as a result of these changes.
For six years, Roman Way Medical Centre and Islington Central Medical Centre have been operating from the same premises as each other, but as two separate practices. The usual doctors and staff will still be available to patients. What the merger will do is make us more resilient with streamlined processes and be more cost-effective so we can devote more of our energies to patient care.
We are proposing the merger will happen Thursday 1st May 2025, and the practice will be called Islington Central Medical Centre (ICMC).
For example, we currently have two phone numbers and operate two separate computer systems. Merging these systems will not affect the current level of care that you are receiving and going forward there may be scope to increase the services that we provide. We will have one phone number (with the same number of lines as before), one website and computer system, meaning you will be able to book available appointments with any of the GPs working in the building.
Patient care has been and will always be at the heart of everything we do at our practices, and we hope that we have your support and blessing for this merger. We have produced a comprehensive FAQ, which we feel will answer many of your questions.
Please scroll down to read the FAQs.
Finally, we have created a short and completely anonymous survey, which we would be grateful if you could complete. It will only take a few minutes of your time and your response will help in terms of delivery of future services. We will also have paper copies at reception if you need them. Please scroll down to the bottom for the link to the survey.
Thank you for your time and support.
Kind regards,
Dr Hai and Dr Rodrigues (Practice Partners)
Muna Ziba (Practice Manager)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding the merger. Please make sure to read this section before contacting us with eventual questions.
Why is this happening?
Islington Central Medical Centre and Roman Way Medical Centre have been working very closely for a number of years, operating from the same location. Over the past few years, there have been increasing demands placed on GP practices, including an increased number of patients, more patients with complex health needs and an increased workload of administrative tasks.
With a quickly changing NHS, we believe the most effective way to provide the best care for our local community, is for our practices to merge and become one. Both practices share the same values and goals in providing high-quality care for our patients. Our two practices also share many clinicians. We expect this merger not to disrupt patient care, but instead to improve it.
When will the merger take place?
It is expected that the merger will take effect on Thursday 1st May 2025.
What will the practice be called?
The practice will be called Islington Central Medical Centre (ICMC).
What are the benefits of the merger?
With a combined practice, we will be able to utilise our resources more effectively.
• This will reduce our administrative task workload, allowing the administrative staff to work more efficiently.
• With both practices joined, you will have access to a wider range of clinicians and healthcare professionals.
• There will be increased appointment availability due to a streamlined system, with more clinical and non-clinical staff available. As a larger practice, we will have access to more resources to continue to provide the best patient care.
Is this happening just to save money?
This merger will have many benefits for both patients and staff, many are mentioned above. Additionally, financial savings on website and phone bills will allow money to be reinvested elsewhere in the surgery. By merging into one practice, we will be able to use the resources available to us more effectively.
Will I have to re-register?
You will not need to re-register. Patients under Roman Way Medical Centre will automatically be added to the Islington Central Medical Centre patient list. You do not need to take any action.
Will my details be transferred?
Yes, all of your details will be transferred automatically. We operate using an Electronic Patient Record which will allow all clinicians and healthcare professionals to access patient records, ensuring there is no disruption to your care. Safeguarding and confidentiality of information will remain in place during this transition.
Will my personal data be safe?
Yes, data security is our utmost priority and responsibility. There will be no changes to the security of your personal data.
Can I still make appointments the same way?
Yes, the appointment booking system will not change, and you can continue to book appointments as usual.
Will I still be able to see my usual doctor and/or nurse?
Yes, you will continue to see the doctor or nurse of your preference, including keeping the same named GP. Continuity of care is very important to us.
Will the location of the practice be changed?
The practice will remain at its usual address at 28 Laycock St, London N1 1SW.
Will the surgery phone number and email address change?
Yes, there will be a single phone number and email address in place to contact the practice. A centralised system with more administrative staff will allow operations to run smoother and reduce waiting times on the phone. We will inform patients before any of these changes come into effect.
Will I have to wait longer on the phone to get through if there is one number?
We will ensure there are at least the same number of phone lines coming into the practice so that wait times do not increase.
Will the opening times of the practice be changed?
No. The opening hours will stay unchanged at : 8.00 – 6.30 Monday – Friday
Patients will of course also have access to the extended hours service that operates after 18;30 in the weekdays and then the extended hours service throughout the weekend
Will any services currently offered be stopped?
All services will remain accessible with no disruption. We also expect this merger will allow us to expand our range of services.
Will there be any changes to GP out-of-hours service?
The GP out-of-hours service will still operate in the same way via calling the NHS 111 service. Patients will still be able to access the extended hours ( iHub) service as per usual
Will the merger affect my ongoing care at the practice?
Your ongoing care will not be affected. Any current investigations, referrals or treatment plans will remain unchanged and will continue as planned. Your uninterrupted care is our top priority.
How will you ensure the practice maintains its quality of care?
Continuing to provide high quality patient-centred care is our main priority. We aim to ensure there is only improvement in patient care from the merger. We will monitor our progress via internal targets, as well as national ones.
Will I still be able to order repeat medication and use my usual pharmacy?
Yes, you will be able to order your repeat medications in the same manner as before, and you can still use your chosen pharmacy.
Will the practice website change?
Yes, the practice websites will be merged under Islington Central Medical Centre. However, it will have a very similar format to what you are used to on the Roman Way Medical Centre site. We aim for our website to be accessible and easy to use.
What will happen to Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)?
Both practices currently have a PPG. We intend to merge both PPG groups to form one patient group for our combined practice. We believe this will allow us to get the most accurate and comprehensive patient feedback.
Does this mean the practice will be private?
The practice will remain as an NHS practice, there is no other third-party involved.
Submit your views here
Your views on the Merger would be most be most appreciated. Please click here to complete the survey.