A major GP federation, Innovations in Primary Care (IPC), which served approximately 540,000 patients across West Sussex, has collapsed, leading to the loss of around 130 jobs and substantial disruption to healthcare services. The organisation announced at the end of September that it was ceasing operations and entering liquidation. The federation leadership cited financial pressures as the primary cause.

IPC’s directors revealed that the federation was unable to secure long-term contracts from Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB), and rising inflation further exacerbated their financial difficulties, making it impossible to continue providing services. This sudden collapse has led to the cancellation of hundreds of appointments, with more expected in the coming weeks. Additionally, staff will not be paid for work completed in September.

The federation played a crucial role in delivering extended GP appointment access, urgent treatment centre services, chronic wound care, and practice support across West Sussex. To mitigate some of the impact, the neighbouring GP federation, Alliance for Better Care, has stepped in to take over the urgent treatment centre contracts at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester and Worthing Hospital, thereby preserving 40 jobs.

However, uncertainty surrounds other services provided by IPC. Sussex ICB confirmed that it is working closely with local Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to ensure that enhanced access appointments and vasectomy services continue, though there is still a lack of clarity on how other services will be maintained. IPC’s clinical director, Dr. Neil Iosson, expressed concern about the significant additional workload for practices and the disruption to patient care that is likely to persist in the coming weeks.

He also acknowledged the emotional and financial toll on the federation’s workforce, with around 130 employees made redundant and left without their September pay. The situation remains fluid as efforts to secure continuity of care and employment for affected staff are ongoing.