Patients transferred as GP surgery closes

A GP surgery rated as good by the Care Quality Commission has closed despite public opposition to the move.

Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) had said Toftwood Medical Centre, Dereham, was too small for the population it served, and upgrading it would be too expensive.

The practice closed on 1 April after the decision was confirmed in December.

"Following the closure of Toftwood Medical Centre, around 3,500 patients have been transferred to either one of two other GP practices in Dereham – Orchard Surgery or Theatre Royal Surgery," the ICB said in a statement.

"Patients have been informed of their allocation by letter and will be able to use services at their new practices from today."

The ICB had said patients would be automatically registered with the other practices.

The lease for the Toftwood Medical Centre building ran out in 2010 and there had been subsequent short-term leases, but no long-term agreement could be found.

Mid Norfolk Conservative MP George Freeman had tried to mediate between the landlord and the ICB, but NHS Norfolk and Waveney said there had not been enough progress to halt the closure.

Nearly 2,000 people gave feedback to a public consultation, with concerns voiced over the capacity at the alternative Dereham surgeries.

A public meeting in November opposing the closure was attended by more than 150 people.

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