A DOCTORS surgery is in danger of closing as discussions continue over finding funding to secure its future.

The Branch Surgery, in Bentnalls Complex, Heybridge, is unable to afford the increased rent needed to remain in its existing location.

Its approached NHS England for help to subsidise the £35,000 increase over the next five years but could not reach an agreement.

There are fears the surgery, a satellite practice of Longfield in Maldon, may be forced to close.

David Wilkin, chairman of Longfield Patient Participation Group, said: “It is a dire situation. The surgery cannot afford this increase and will close.

“It approached NHS England which pays a subsidy for rent at the surgery, but it refused to meet the increase. They said the building was not worth that.”

Longfield Surgery serves 17,500 people, with many from the Heybridge area choosing to be seen at the Branch Surgery.

Mr Wilkin believes that if the surgery is forced to close it could have a huge knock on effect on the rest of Maldon’s care services.

He added: “The Blackwater Surgery is already busy and does not have capacity. It will take too long to set up a brand new building in Heybridge for the surgery.

“It is a quite densely populated area and more houses are being built which is going to increase the catchment.

“The result of the surgery closing is thousands will be left without an accessible surgery.

“It is clearly going to inconvenience those living in Heybridge, especially those who are disabled or have reduced mobility.

“This is not good for the long run either. If people can’t get to the surgery, they will have to have home visits which is going to cost far more.”

David Barker, practice manager at Longfield Surgery, said negotiations were ongoing.

He said: “We are trying our best to conclude negotiations with NHS England and our landlord to enable us to continue providing primary care.

“This is proving difficult due to the lack of available funding needed. With the increase in population planned for both Maldon and Heybridge over the next five years, if we have to close our Branch Surgery, it will have a detrimental effect on our ability to provide services for our current and future patients.”

Rachel Webb, Locality Director for NHS England Midlands and East, said: “NHS England can confirm that a value for money assessment is currently underway in relation to the renewal of the lease for the Branch Surgery.

"This is a standard process to ensure all GP practices who are receiving funding from the NHS for premises reimbursement represent value for money. No decision has been taken to close this branch surgery.

“NHS England is committed to commissioning high quality primary care services for all patients served at this branch surgery.”