Petition launched against proposed closure of Finedon Health Centre

A petition has been started against the proposed closure of a medical centre.
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Finedon Health Centre in Regent Street in the town is part of Burton Latimer Medical Centre.

However, the medical centre is looking to close the Finedon branch and has launched a consultation with patients.

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A message posted on the website for Burton Latimer Medical Centre says: “This is to let you know about our proposal to close Finedon Branch Surgery and to ask for your views on this.

“Currently, all clinicians at our Burton Latimer site also see patients at Finedon.

“We have been experiencing real challenges in managing our branch surgery for some time because of limited facilities and GP recruitment issues.

“We are concerned that if Finedon remains open, it will detract from our ability to deliver a service that offers all our patients the range of services, standard of premises and continuity of care they rightly expect.

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“Several options have been explored, for example offering a reduced service from Finedon; however our preferred option is to close our Finedon branch completely.

“We are unable to find a viable alternative that will allow us to continue to offer care to patients in a safe and efficient manner.

“The distance between Finedon Branch Surgery and our main site is 2.6 miles, there is an excellent bus service as well as a community car service for elderly and disabled patients.

“There is also a second GP practice in Finedon.”

An online petition launched against the proposed closure states: “We, the undersigned do not believe that the Finedon Medical Centre should close.

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“We believe that Finedon needs and deserves a fully functioning health centre within Finedon.

“If you believe and support this too please sign the petition.

“You will find them in all the shops and public places.

“We need 100 per cent support to have a chance to overturn the decision to close.”

One of those who has signed the petition said: “This must not close, it is a much needed centre for all who live in Finedon.”

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A spokesman for Burton Latimer Medical Centre said: “After a three month public consultation, NHS England will take into account patient views when making the decision on our proposed closure of Finedon branch surgery.

“Our aim has always been to offer the highest quality medical provision to our patients.

“We believe that moving to a single site at Burton Latimer will allow us to increase, develop and improve our services.

“We would like to reassure all of our Finedon patients that if a decision is made to close the surgery we will support patients, ensuring they continue to have access to GP services.”

Anyone wanting to sign the petition can do so by clicking here

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