HUNDREDS of residents shared their views and asked questions to a panel of representatives on the topic of the possible move of the Burnham Surgery.
A discussion with representatives on the future of the Burnham Surgery was heard by almost 450 people.
Dan Doherty from the local NHS Health Authority made it clear to residents a proposal has not been received by the integrated care board (ICB) for the relocation of the Burnham Surgery to Burnham Waters.
Sir John Whittingdale thanked everyone for attending and said: “We need to think about the future health provision within the town, the Burnham Surgery looks after patients from quite a wide area across the Dengie peninsula and the population is growing and that is putting increasing strain on the building.”
He mentioned he has been receiving letters for years about the struggle from residents to get an appointment due to the strain.
He addressed the option raised for the Burnham Surgery to move to the “controversial” Burnham Waters development.
He said: “Healthcare is probably the top issue within my constituency. Primary care particularly is under great pressure.
“But what I have seen is new health facilities. I represent South Woodham Ferrers where there is a brand-new health centre, the Crouch Valley Centre, in Southminster we have a new facility opening there and in Heybridge there will be a new health facility built there and in Maldon we are considering options for the relocation for the hospital.”
David Kennedy addressed an email allegedly from the NHS to Maldon District which “appeared to have a series of done deal statements in it.”
He stated the local health authority has a statutory and constitutional obligation to consult with the public. The email led the public to believe the consultation had not been carried out.
Dan Doherty said: “The consultation hasn’t started because the ICB haven’t had a proposal from Burnham Surgery to move.”
It was made clear in the email detailed the most viable option for the move of the Burnham Surgery would be to Burnham Waters.
An options appraisal has been completed to access the options for the future of healthcare.
Planning consultant for Burnham Waters, Stuart Rowe, said: “The surgery proposed for Burnham Waters has been proposed as a private surgery and if they can assist the NHS they will do so.
The Burnham Surgery is open to looking at all options.
The main question regarding transport was how people are going to access the surgery is it’s outside of town.
A number of shuttle bus services were discussed by the developer who said they will look at transport solutions.
80 per cent of the registered patients at Burnham Surgery live in Burnham.
Burnham resident Suzanne Brewer showed particular concern for vulnerable patients including dementia sufferers and said the impact of a different location needs to be considered.
Dr Rahman from Burnham Surgery confirmed home visits would still continue.
Suzanne Brewer said: “The current surgery is at the heart of our community. This location provides the very best access to services, and it keeps our community together, alive and flourishing.
“Moving the surgery out of town would diminish these important social and mental health factors, and what way it good to rip the heart out of the Burnham community.”
Further questions can be submitted by emailing consultation@burnhamoncrouchtowncouncil.gov.uk.
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