A meeting for patients concerned about changes to the health care provision has been postponed due to fears about high number of people attending.

Events for patients of the South Essex Managed Care Ltd (SEMC) practice based within Wickford Health Centre and The Gore Surgery are to be rescheduled, so more people can have their say on the future of the GP practices.

Following high turnout at a meeting for patients of the SEMC practice at Wickford Health Centre on Wednesday and a similar turnout expected at a meeting planned for patients of The Gore Surgery, plans are underway for further opportunities for local people to share their views.

The meeting for patients of The Gore Surgery, originally planned for today at 6.45pm to 8.15pm has been postponed.

Due to patient feedback, NHS England is anticipating a higher turnout than previously expected for this particular meeting and The Gore Surgery is not large enough to accommodate the anticipated high numbers.

Details for the rescheduled events for patients of both practices will be communicated to patients by the end of this week.

Rachel Webb, Locality Director for NHS England Midlands and East (East) said: “We want to ensure that all patients of The Gore Surgery and the SEMC practice at Wickford Health Centre have the opportunity to share their views about the proposals for these practices.

“By rescheduling these meetings, we hope that many more people will be able to come along to speak with us.

“We are keen to listen to people’s views before making any final decisions. We will share details of the rescheduled meetings, including dates, times and venues by Friday 15 September.”