Rayleigh Road branch closure engagement

Eastwood Group Practice in Leigh-on-Sea has started the process of applying to NHS Mid and South Essex to close one of its branch surgeries, the Rayleigh Road branch.

Eastwood Group Practice provides primary medical services from three locations:

Patients already travel across all three sites to access appointments as well as attend evening and Saturday appointments organised through the Primary Care Network. Visit the Eastwood Group practice website or the Primary Care Network website for more information on these services.

Eastwood Group Practice held a series of engagement events with patients in April 2024 to gain patient feedback and understand the impact of the proposed branch closure. A statement from the practice provides more information on why the practice is making the application, and additional information is provided on the Eastwood Group practice website.

The formal engagement period concluded on 15 May 2024. The practice will be reviewing the feedback received during the engagement period, which will be included within its application to NHS Mid and South Essex.

How can a GP practice close a branch surgery?

If a GP practice wishes to close a branch surgery, it must make a formal application to the local NHS for approval. Approval would be subject to full consideration of the impact such a closure would have on the practice’s registered patient population, and the application must evidence feedback received from patients and other key stakeholders.

More information about the application process is available on the NHS Mid and South Essex website.