Concern over Surgery Closure
- Details
- Category: 1990
"Residents' protests over the planned shutdown of the doctor's surgery in Barnard Road reached a peak early this year. At a Chelmsford Community Health Council meeting. The Rev Martin Harris spoke for the community. 'The loss of a surgery, even if inadequate, would be felt by residents. Continuity is important and the doctors are much appreciated. The surgery in Barnard Road serves 2000 patients including the elderly and the very young and closure would mean a journey to the main surgery, Beauchamp House, in Baddow Road.' Dr John Garvey from the Group practise, explained the decision to opt for closure. He said doctors were trying to maintain high standards of care in Galleywood but premises were inadequate and insufficiently equipped. 'It is not a question of finance, in fact financially, it is very disadvantageous to close. We feel the needs of medical care outweigh the inconveniences.'
Members of the Community Health Council were concerned that the needs of Galleywood as a growing parish should be met.
The meeting put forward a recommendation to oppose closure of the branch surgery until existing facilities were replaced or improved. A suggestion was made by Mrs Helen Ephraim that the area deserved a small health clinic like those in Chelmer village, Braintree and Kelvedon. which act as bases for a range of medical services. The surgery cannot go ahead with the proposed closure without the consent from the FPC. The Parish Council have written to four medical practises to ask if they would be interested in opening a surgery in Galleywood. At a packed meeting in The Keene Hall, Mr Harris asked Chelmsford Council to earmark a site for a new Galleywood surgery at Homemead, the block of flats soon to be demolished. A satisfactory outcome was reached in March when Dr Rajinder Lotay decided to run a practise in Bekeswell Place in addition to her practise in Moulsham Street."