The reports of closure early in the New Year of the Spring Farm GP surgery in Upminster Road North have brought about protests from local residents.
Dagenham and Rainham Labour MP, Jon Cruddas said in response to people getting in touch with him this week, "This is the latest in a string of cutbacks to primary health care across Rainham and South Hornchurch. I am launching a petition to say this has gone too far and that the area needs additional health facilities and services". Patients of the Spring Farm surgery that has been in Upminster Road North for over 30 years contacted the MP on learning the news. GP surgeries in the area are already oversubscribed and patients are being directed to the South Hornchurch Medical Centre.
Jon Cruddas commented "That may be fine for some people but I have received calls and emails from older residents, those with disabilities, and parents with babies and young children who will now face a bus journey to get medical treatment. Local GPs should be local, not a complicated journey away."
The latest closure follows the loss of the Mungo Park GP surgery and the surgery that was on the former Mardyke Estate together with the earlier run down of services in Rainham and South Hornchurch.
Jon added "I have contacted NHS England and the Managing Director of the Clinical Commissioning Group for Havering, Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge to set out the case for a much needed increase in primary health care services for Rainham and South Hornchurch. I have pointed out that over the next 4 years this area will see an increase of 10,000 in its population just from the housing developments taking place. To be reducing services is a recipe for disaster as pressures grow on already overstretched vital services".
Jon Cruddas MP has launched a petition calling on the Government and NHS England to either restore full services across existing facilities or deliver a new Medical Centre for the people of Rainham, South Hornchurch and Elm Park. You can sign the petition here: https://joncruddas.org.uk/hands-off-our-healthcare