GP Surgery Campaign

A CONSERVATIVE candidate for Eastwood Park has launched a petition against a consultation to close a local GP and merge it with another.

Opened by Eastwood Group Practice are proposing to close the surgery at 346 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, and merge it with the Kent Elms Branch at 1 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood.

Verina Weaver has received the support of Southend West MP Anna Firth, who has added her voice to the concerns of over 4,000 patients who could be displaced and forced to move to Kent Elms.

On April 5, Ms Firth convened an urgent meeting with representatives from the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board to voice her concerns about the proposed closure.

Mrs Weaver raised the alarm following the announcement of the consultation, citing concerns about the impact on elderly residents.

She said: “My elderly neighbours have been using this surgery for over 30 years and are very happy with it.

“As an NHS Carecars volunteer driver, my husband often faces difficulties ensuring patient safety due to inadequate parking facilities at Kent Elms site.”

Mrs Weaver added that parking at the Kent Elms Branch would be difficult: “The parking situation is dire and will be further exacerbated by this move.

“Many of these patients are elderly and infirm; public transportation is not a feasible option for them.”

She concluded: “The planned closure of Eastwood Practice Surgery is more than just an inconvenience; it’s detrimental to the health and wellbeing of thousands in Eastwood and Leigh in who rely on its services daily.

“We must stop this dreadful move from happening! Please sign this petition today, so we can ensure that our community continues receiving quality healthcare close to home.”

The Eastwood Group Practice, which also runs a surgery in Eastwood Road North, has confirmed that no final decision has yet been made.

Anna Firth said: “Sign the brilliant petition set up by Verina Weaver at: change.org/p/prevent-the-closure-of-eastwood-practice-surgery-at-346-rayleigh-rd.

Ms Frith added: “To get your voice heard, I encourage all of those who want the surgery to remain open to attend the engagement meetings that the Eastwood Group Practice have planned for tomorrow and on the 27th of April, and email me.

“If you cannot get to the meetings or struggle with the various NHS websites, please email me at [email protected] with your concerns and I will make sure they are passed to the surgery.”

Picture: MP Anna Firth and Verina Weaver outside the surgery.

Read more.

Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news

Contact us. Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news

Twitter: @leighonsea_news

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news