Following revelations of the possible closure of two critical GP surgeries in Allington, Maidstone and The Weald MP Helen Grant has written to Glenn Douglas, Accountable Officer for NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in Kent and Medway, expressing her deep concerns for local people.
Mrs Grant was informed that the two GPs for Allington Clinic and Allington Park Surgery have made the decision to terminate their contracts with effect from 31st May 2018. As a result there is now a possibility that these practices may be forced to close. Although no final decision has been made, if this were to occur it would result in large numbers of local residents being left without a GP practice on their doorstep.
A consultation is currently being held by West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which runs until Friday 13thApril and after that time a final decision on the future of these practices will be made by the Commissioning Committee. Helen Grant has strongly urged the committee to do everything within its power to keep these practices open, reminding Mr Douglas that a large majority of residents in the Allington area are elderly and will require regular access to a Doctor. In addition to this she highlighted that the local population is increasing with the addition of significant levels of further housing.
Speaking about the proposed changes Mrs Grant said: "I understand that the two doctors who have decided to cease practising in these clinics, for their own independent reasons, have acted in compliance with their contracts. The continuance of the surgeries is, however, the key issue here.
'Allington is a large and growing residential area with a high level of elderly patients who are unable to travel long distances to visit their Doctor. I have therefore strongly advised the CCG to do everything within their power to ensure these practices remain open and I believe they have an implied duty to do so for the Allington community'.
'I will be monitoring the situation carefully and will not hesitate to step in if I believe inadequate efforts are being made to retain these services."
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Patients affected by these changes can contribute to the consultation via email [email protected] or in writing to the below address by Friday 13 April 2018
Wharf House
Medway Wharf Road
Tonbridge
Kent, TN9 1RE