CALLS for guidance and leadership from Burnham Town Council have been made following the damning CQC report for Burnham Surgery.

In the Care Quality Commission’s Report released this week, the surgery’s quality of service was deemed ‘inadequate’, resulting in special measures being put in place and a follow up survey to be carried out in six months.

At a town council meeting in Burnham, John Hitcham said: “I hope in this deeply concerning time for the surgery that the town council will show solidarity and spiritual leadership in helping residents.

“A robust plan B for residents failing to obtain services from the town’s surgery would be appreciated from their council, as once one surgery is knocked, dominos will begin to fall.”

Re-elected Town Mayor Ron Pratt shares residents’ concerns about the state of the surgery.

He said: “The Town Council itself does not have any authority in regards to the surgery. However, once we have a clearer idea on the situation and its implications the council will do its best to help patients in the town.”

Councillor Neil Pudney, of Burnham North Ward, also on the Community Services and Overview and Scrutiny Committees for Maldon District Council, has pledged to insure the services at Burnham Surgery are not neglected.

He said: “The issue that sometimes arises with the CQC is that they will thoroughly identify the problems with surgeries but then not present ways to improve them.

“Whilst the special measures are in place and the surgery will be monitored, I certainly hope that the commission can find and help with ways to improve the surgery.

“The Overview and Scrutiny Committee has meetings lined up in Broomfield Hospital to address the situation, and I’m keen to make sure that help and guidance is given to Burnham Surgery.”