Christchurch Medical Partnership announces plans to close Bransgore Medical Centre and Burton Medical Centre
VILLAGE medical practices in Bransgore and Burton are set to close under plans announced by Christchurch Medical Partnership.
The group which operates the surgeries in both villages, says it believes it can provide better services to patients by bringing them together at its Orchard and Barn branches in Purewell.
Under the plans, Bransgore Medical Centre will close by the end of January with Burton Medical Centre set to shut in April.
A consolidation document outlining the proposals, has been shared with patients registered at both sites. It sets out: “We need to be able to work in the most effective and streamlined manner, so we can provide safe, timely and effective care for our patients. By moving to have only the two locations Orchard and Barn, we will be more resilient as a business.
“There is a national shortage of doctors, nurses, and good quality experienced staff. Consolidating our staff in this way gives us a more robust workforce. We want to be in a position where we have enough staff in any situation. We will also have the benefit of more robust and flexible cover when staff are on annual or sick leave.”
The decision to close Bransgore Medical Centre on Ringwood Road means services will be lost at the branch from the end of January 2024. “As Bransgore is rarely used, this will have minimal impact on patients and services,” the document states.
Patients currently registered at Bransgore will have an option to move practice to Twin Oaks Surgery across the road.
However, the planned closure of Burton is the subject of an application to NHS Dorset, with villagers still able to give feedback on the impacts of the proposal.
Dozens of patients have already spoken out against the closure, with many writing angry posts on social media.
One village resident commented: “I think that is incredibly sad for both villages. It is an essential service for all.
“Maybe a smaller building could be used, but in no way should a village be without a GP surgery. Who gets to decide what happens? I’m pretty sure many, many, many people would be against the closure.”
Another patient wrote: “Disgraceful. The Purewell site has inadequate parking now. Add in the Burton and Bransgore patients, and it will become even more inadequate.”
“I fail to see how they plan on improving the patient experience with fewer sites with less availability,” said another.
The Christchurch Medical Partnership consolidation document continues: “We would like to reassure all our registered patients that they will continue to receive the same level of care whatever the outcome of our discussions.
“While this is an exciting project, we know it may make you feel a bit uncertain. Our main priority is to provide safe, reliable care for our patients. We hope this can be the start of open and regular discussions with you.
“Over the coming months we will provide regular updates as more information becomes available, however in the meantime, you do not need to do anything in order to continue receiving care.”
A Save Burton Medical Centre petition launched yesterday currently has more than 100 signatures. To sign the petition visit https://tinyurl.com/3rw6u4xw