MP speaks out against closure of Eastbourne health centre

Eastbourne’s MP has spoken out against the proposed closure of a central walk-in medical centre.
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In her strongest condemnation of the controversial plans since they were announced, Caroline Ansell said she opposes closing Eastbourne Station Health Centre unless concrete proposals are put forward for more GP provision in the town.

Following a meeting with health bosses from East Sussex CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group), she said she was told about plans for a ‘super’ practice being built in Old Town, as well as a new town centre-based satellite service to help homeless people at the Salvation Army base.

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Mrs Ansell said, “I have received a clearer picture of the CCG’s thinking in what was a very constructive meeting but my concerns on how those in the town centre will access GP services and the walk-in element of the station centre for the vulnerable very much remain if this centre is closed.

East Sussex Save the NHS holds a socially-distanced protest outside Eastbourne Station Health CentreEast Sussex Save the NHS holds a socially-distanced protest outside Eastbourne Station Health Centre
East Sussex Save the NHS holds a socially-distanced protest outside Eastbourne Station Health Centre

“I am happy to hear about plans for a satellite surgery and the involvement of the Salvation Army but these are just that – plans.

“Nothing is concrete and, until there is more information and firmer plans and funding in place, I cannot support the closure of the Station Health Centre.”

She said, “I would also oppose the closure of the centre before any new satellite practice opens.

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“The town centre is set to undergo one of the biggest population increases in Eastbourne due to new development, if not the biggest, and these new town centre residents need to have town centre access to GP services going forward.

Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell speaking in ParliamentEastbourne MP Caroline Ansell speaking in Parliament
Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell speaking in Parliament

“My fears there is not enough GP capacity in the town centre have not been allayed.”

A consultation into the closure of the Station Health Centre was opened earlier this year but put on pause during the coronavirus lockdown.

However, despite protestations, it restarted over the summer and came to a close this month.

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Peaceful protests took place outside the station every week, organised by East Sussex Save the NHS.

Campaigners argued a decision to return to any pre-covid plans for healthcare services would be ‘ludicrous’ after everything that has happened.

However, the CCG will now consider its options and announce a decision in December on the fate of the town centre practice.

Also present at the Zoom meeting with Mrs Ansell was Liz Walke, chair of Save the DGH.

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She said, “I was heartened to hear about the proposals for NHS services in the town centre but further clarification is needed before the Station NHS services are changed, closed or removed.

“Currently all town centre GP Practices have either capped or closed their lists to new patients.

“We need more town centre GPs not fewer. It is our view that further public consultation is needed but not in the middle of this pandemic.

“We would urge that no decision is taken to change, relocate or remove any NHS services until this pandemic is over and we are clear what NHS and GP provision will be located in the town centre.

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“We are so pleased the local NHS seem to be listening and have agreed to further meetings.”

A spokesperson for East Sussex CCGs said, “We recognise there are natural concerns about any changes to NHS services, and currently, at a time when the NHS has seen significant change as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is even greater concern about access to health care.

“We are confident that we have good access to GP services across the Eastbourne area for local people, both now and for the future with the existing town centre provision, including additional investment in our primary care networks, and the new Victoria Gardens Medical Centre which is expected to open by Spring 2021.

“The purpose of the consultation has been to hear from local people, community groups and key partners, and we want to thank everyone who has shared their views, including the feedback from Caroline Ansell MP and Liz Walke.

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“We have had a large response to the consultation and an independent body is currently collating and analysing that feedback for the CCG to consider before any decision is made.

“It is important to be clear no decision has been made and the very reason we have carried out the public consultation is to hear from local people to understand concerns, questions and areas where we may need to consider further.”