Superclinic: 'We'’ll have to go miles'

12:59pm Wednesday 4th June 2008

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RESIDENTS in Hockley are fighting plans for a controversial superclinic to be built in Rayleigh, which could leave scores of patients having to travel miles to see a doctor.

Members of Hockley Residents Association have slammed proposals for the new facility, which would serve patients across Rochford and Rayleigh.

Doctors would be given the option of moving into the new superclinic or staying put, but the association believes GPs would be left with little choice but to move as they could be starved of funds if the financial priority lies with the new centre.

It has been rumoured the clinic will be sited on a vacant plot of ground opposite the cemetery in Hockley Road, Rayleigh where there is a limited bus service.

Hockley Residents Association chairman, Brian Guyett, said: "We welcome additional medical services to the area but simply moving them miles to an area poorly served by public transport helps no one.

"Patients want to be close to their GPs and we hope the PCT will change their plans."

The clinic would provide a range of medical services for the Rayleigh, Hockley, Hawkwell, Ashingdon and Rochford areas.

But the association believes only a lucky few living nearby will benefit.

Margaret Hathaway, of South East Essex Primary Care Trust, said patients would be offered a range of outpatient clinics and diagnostic testing which would remove the need for them to travel to Southend Hospital. She said: "When a site is located, we will fully consult with local people about what services they would like provided within the new centre.

"GPs in the immediate vicinity will be offered the opportunity to move into the new development.

"GPs located further away may also move into the centre, or may choose to continue in their current location.

"Likewise, patients will be able to choose to stay with their current GP practice or register with the practice in the new centre. It is entirely up to them."

The director said if a suitable site could not be found in Rayleigh, the trust would consider options "on the borders of Rayleigh".

But she added: "We take great care when choosing a location for a new primary care centre so as to ensure they are easily accessible for local residents.

"We do not envisage a situation where a patient who currently lives near to their GP practice will suddenly need to travel several miles to the new centre."

Representatives from the PCT are due to attend a meeting of Hockley Residents Association on Tuesday.

The meeting will be held at Kilnfield House, Hockley, at 8pm.