Walk-in health centre faces closure after just two years
Monday, 12th December 2011.
Local people are being encouraged to give their views on the plan to close the Crown Health Centre in Haverhill.
Over the last few months NHS Suffolk has been looking at the future of the centre, which was opened in 2009 after being granted only temporary planning permission and with the aim of reducing attendances at hospital A&E departments.
Despite the best efforts of local healthcare professionals, A&E attendances have not reduced and no cost-effective permanent location has been found. Annual running costs are in excess of £1.2 million.
Melanie Craig, NHS Suffolk’s director of primary care, said: “We want to provide the best level of healthcare to people in Haverhill and what people tell us about this proposal will help us do that.
"It is vital that the limited resources of the NHS are used wisely, and this is why we want to know what people think about the proposed closure.
“Healthcare services are already widely available in the area, with local GP practices providing a minor illness and injury service and local pharmacies providing invaluable advice on self-care at home.”
You can give your views by completing an online survey form at http://www.suffolk.nhs.uk/haverhill or you can request a hard copy questionnaire by calling NHS Suffolk on 01473 770014.
A summary of the responses and the outcome of the consultation will be published on the NHS Suffolk website at http://www.suffolk.nhs.uk and will also be available at the surgeries.
Should you require any further information, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0800 389 6819.
Over the last few months NHS Suffolk has been looking at the future of the centre, which was opened in 2009 after being granted only temporary planning permission and with the aim of reducing attendances at hospital A&E departments.
Despite the best efforts of local healthcare professionals, A&E attendances have not reduced and no cost-effective permanent location has been found. Annual running costs are in excess of £1.2 million.
Melanie Craig, NHS Suffolk’s director of primary care, said: “We want to provide the best level of healthcare to people in Haverhill and what people tell us about this proposal will help us do that.
"It is vital that the limited resources of the NHS are used wisely, and this is why we want to know what people think about the proposed closure.
“Healthcare services are already widely available in the area, with local GP practices providing a minor illness and injury service and local pharmacies providing invaluable advice on self-care at home.”
You can give your views by completing an online survey form at http://www.suffolk.nhs.uk/haverhill or you can request a hard copy questionnaire by calling NHS Suffolk on 01473 770014.
A summary of the responses and the outcome of the consultation will be published on the NHS Suffolk website at http://www.suffolk.nhs.uk and will also be available at the surgeries.
Should you require any further information, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0800 389 6819.
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