TWO doctor’s surgeries based in the Basildon borough are under threat of closure, potentially causing strain on other practices.

NHS England and Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is currently proposing to close South Essex Managed Care (SEMC) Ltd from the Wickford Health Centre and The Gore Surgery in Basildon.

The contract for The Gore Surgery is due to expire on February 28, 2018 and at SEMC Ltd on January 31, 2018.

Under the proposals, the two contracts would not be renewed.

However, the Wickford Health Centre would not be closing, with the Swanwood GP surgery continuing to operate from the site.

In a statement to shareholders, the two organisations write: “NHS England and NHS Basildon and Brentwood CCG are looking to bring together and strengthen GP services in the Basildon and Wickford areas and ensure GP premises are fit for purpose.

“There are other practices in close proximity to both the Wickford Health Centre and The Gore Surgery. In addition, The Gore Surgery’s current premises are not fit for future service development and delivery.

“Therefore, NHS England and NHS Basildon and Brentwood CCG are proposing to not renew these contracts when they expire.

“Views from patients and stakeholders will be sought before any final decision on these proposals is made.

“If the proposals go ahead, The Gore Surgery will close and patients would be asked to register with another GP practice in the area. Similarly, patients of the SEMC Ltd practice delivered from the Wickford Health Centre would also be asked to register with another GP practice in the area.

“However, patients do not need to take any action yet as a final decision has not yet been made.”

Peter Holliman, Conservative councillor for Wickford North, said the lack of healthcare services in the town was a real concern. He said: “In the emerging local plan, the number of houses to be built in the borough has increased and the new administration is looking to put these in Billericay and Wickford. We would need the infrastructure for this to happen, and health services count as infrastructure.”