Patients of a doctors practice in Danbury which could face closure are to give their views in a public consultation programme launched by Maldon and South Chelmsford primary care trust.
Four options for the Hoppit Surgery, which has 1,800 patients, have been put forward by the PCT and forms have been sent out to patients as part of the consultation exercise. Public meetings are also being held in the village.
The possibility of the surgery being shut caused a storm of protest when it was revealed in April.
A total of 1,000 patients have already signed a petition as part of a Save our Surgery campaign.
The PCT's public consultation programme will run until July 16 and a decision is planned prior to the retirement in September of Dr Ashley Pain, who took over the practice in 1986.
The four alternatives being put forward by the PCT are:
closure of the surgery and dispersal of patients to other practices
advertising for a new GP to run the practice
advertising for a group of GPs to take over the management of the practice
the take over of the management of the practice by the PCT who would employ a salaried GP and the current practice staff.
The first of the public meetings organised by the PCT for people to give their views about the proposals was held on Monday and another will be held on Thursday July 8 at 8pm at the meeting room at St John's Church in Danbury, opposite The Griffin pub.
Published Tuesday June 29, 2004
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