THURROCK MEP and Councillor Tim Aker has warned that the Grays walk-in centre faces being shut down thanks to an alleged “behind the scenes deal” from the local CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) which will “devastate” healthcare provision in the area.
Mr. Aker today met with the GP in charge of the Thurrock Health Centre on Grays High Street, Dr. Pro Malik, and was shocked to hear that even she wasn’t invited to the recent consultation on the future of the centre.
Tim Aker MEP said: “The walk-in centre faces a complete stitch-up from the local CCG board who didn’t even invite Dr. Pro Malik to their so-called consultation. Nor were any residents I’ve spoken to aware of it.
“People in Thurrock need to be aware that the CCG wants to shut the walk-in centre by this September and replace it with hubs dotted elsewhere which will only be open from 9am to 12 midday Saturday and Sunday, dramatically limiting people’s access to healthcare in Grays and beyond. It will have devastating consequences.
“The demand on Grays walk-in is clear: people like it, value it, want it and I will be doing everything I can alongside Dr. Malik to keep it open for the residents of our borough to use.”
A spokesperson for the Thurrock CCG states: "The CCG is only consulting on the proposed closure of the walk in service not the walk in centre or the health centre.
"This is very important as there is no proposal/intention to close the GP service or other services.
