Residents voice apprehension regarding GP surgery closure plans

Over 150 individuals gathered at a public meeting to convey their concerns regarding proposals to close a GP surgery. The NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) indicated that Toftwood Medical Centre, located near Dereham, Norfolk, provided quality care, but its facility was too small for the population it served and required modernization. Patients expressed a feeling that the decision to shut down the surgery had already been made, despite the consultation period for the plan extending until 21 November. The ICB stated: “No decision has been made about the future of Toftwood Medical Centre. The consultation runs until 21 November 2024 and we would encourage people to share their views with us if they haven’t already.” Should the ICB’s plan proceed, 4,000 patients would be transferred to Orchard Surgery and Theatre Royal Surgery in Dereham on 1 April 2025. Paul Catling and Belinda Aldiss are among those who would be affected by the proposed surgery closure in varying ways. Mr. Catling, a patient at Toftwood, anticipates being moved to another GP practice in Dereham. He commented: “There’s a lot of bad feeling and anger. It’s just unbelievable. The surgeries in Dereham just won’t cope.” Ms. Aldiss, a patient at the Theatre Royal surgery, where individuals like Mr. Catling would receive treatment if Toftwood surgery closes, expressed her disappointment with the meeting. She stated: “[The ICB] didn’t know how to answer the questions properly.” She added: “They keep saying the done deal hasn’t been done, but I think it probably has.” Ms. Aldiss also noted that obtaining an appointment already takes an excessive amount of time. She recounted: “I took my mum to the Theatre Royal surgery for an [electrocardiogram] ECG. She had to have a follow up appointment. “They said I’m sorry but we can’t get you in for another month. That’s a bit disgusting.” Many of the questions posed by residents focused on the reason a new agreement to lease the Toftwood Medical Centre Building had not been finalized. The ICB reported that it had encountered difficulties in contacting the landlord to discuss future plans, including expanding the site. Another meeting has been scheduled for 20 November between the ICB and the landlord of Toftwood Medical Centre, facilitated by George Freeman, the Conservative MP for Mid Norfolk. The ICB affirmed its intention to approach that meeting with “an open mind”. The ICB conveyed: “We are grateful to all the members of the local community who have shared their views about the proposal, including those who came to the public meeting.”