Dorian Road Surgery - Hornchurch, Essex

GP Surveyors has completed cases for 40 per cent of the GP-owned practices in Essex and has a good track record of achieving successful results:

Throughout GP Surveyors ten year history we have worked with 40 per cent of the GP-owned practices in Essex meaning we have a huge amount of experience and knowledge of the local market as well as a wealth of evidence to be used in agreeing future cases.

“We decided to proceed as we liked the terms that were offered”

The Dorian Road Surgery in Hornchurch is a two-storey converted property. The Practice Manager explains; “I was contacted by GP Surveyors and after discussions with our assigned Client Manager Jonathon Dunn, we decided to proceed as we liked the terms that were offered.”

GP Surveyors has dealt with all of the local PCTs in Essex, however during this case we found that one of the PCTs, Havering, had altered their local policy regarding rent reimbursements.

“We felt that their policy was designed to dissuade Doctors from challenging the initial Notional Rent assessment”

The assigned surveyor in this case was Andy Churchill. He explains “When our client informed Havering PCT that GP Surveyors would be representing them to negotiate on their behalf, we were advised that negotiations could only take place directly between the PCT and the GP. The PCT also took the decision at that stage not to instruct the District Valuer to negotiate the correct level of Notional Rent.”

GP Surveyors advised Havering PCT that we would refer the case straight to the NHSLA to apply for dispute resolution, as we felt that their local policy went against the Premises Costs Directions 2004. We also felt that their policy was designed to dissuade Doctors from challenging the initial Notional Rent assessment.

“GP Surveyors presented a robust case with a wealth of strong evidence as to why we felt the surgery was being underfunded. Havering PCT subsequently changed their local policy and opened up dialect with ourselves and worked with us to resolve the case. A District Valuer was instructed to undertake negotiations and the case was then resolved quickly to our satisfaction. We were able achieve a substantial increase for the Dorian Road Surgery.”

The Practice Manager at Dorian Road concludes; “We’re glad that we challenged our offer as we have received an increase of 13 per cent above the District Valuer’s offer. The process went smoothly and we were kept informed at all stages.”

Back to Case Studies