THE leader of Thurrock Council is asking that people take part in a consultation about the future of the drop-in GP centre in Grays.
Cllr John Kent says that as a ward councillor as well as Leader he wants to see as many people as possible make their views known to the Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which is holding the consultation.
He said: “I understand why the CCG are doing this. All public bodies are being squeezed financially and they’re no different.
“But at first glance I wonder whether their plan for four hubs is the right answer. We all know the present centre has become hugely valued by local people and across the whole of the borough.
“The whole point of putting this drop-in GP centre where it is in the first place was because of the public transport links, both the train and bus stations are in really easy reach – around a hundred yards or so.”
He added: “With the college fully open now and only a bit further away and our plans for Grays in the future, making it an increasingly attractive place to visit, I wonder whether the CCG’s preferred option is not too short-term.
“I shall be writing to the CCG asking them for details of the centre’s footfall and any other information they have. I’ll also be talking with council officers to see whether the council is making an official response too.”
The consultation – which runs until 24 March – is available via the CCG website, thurrockccg.nhs.uk seeks comments on three options, no change; retendering with a new specification, reduced opening hours); and closing the current centre and investing in four local GP “hubs” which is the preferred option.
The CCG is also holding three information and questioning sessions before the consultation closes. They are: Wednesday, 11 February, at Orsett Hall, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett between noon and 4pm; Wednesday, 4 March, Committee rooms 2 and 3, Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, between 7pm and 9pm; and Wednesday, 18 March, at The Springhouse, Springhouse Road, Corringham, from 7pm to 9pm.
