Acknowledging the "deep disappointment" over the threat of closure of Gillets Surgery in Balcombe, local MP Mims Davies has been conducting meetings and sharing constituents' heartfelt concerns on the matter since last year.
Residents created an online petition objecting to the proposed closure and received hundreds of signatures. "I know the parish council, too, has done significant community engagement as well", said Mims..
"We organised a recent meeting with Mark Smith, the Interim CEO of NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board, (upon his taking over from Adam Doyle) on the 25th February on this very issue to share resident's' very valid and deep concerns. I asked for updates on this and other matters. At this meeting we were advised the Balcombe Surgery closure would soon be announced and I requested to be kept very much in the loop on any updates. I also met with the Doctors of Ouse Valley Medical Practice's previously on-site lead, Dr Janet Hardingham late last year", added Mims.
"During these meetings and in further communications, I raised constituents' requests for the importance of home visits, ease of getting prescriptions, and accessibility for all to be taken into full account.
"My casework team have attended numerous public meetings and engaged with the Parish Council who have been very active in the fight to keep Gillets open. They have made it clear they wish to appeal and challenge this decision which I very much support and will continue to back them and the wider local residents who feel this decision is not the correct one.
"There has been much ongoing strong local support for the Surgery to be kept open and this will come as a shock to many who rely on this crucial surgery that the full service in the village and nearby community. See information regarding my previous meeting with Chief Executive of NHS Sussex on Gillets Surgery Balcombe threat of closure: https://www.mimsdavies.org.uk/news/mims-davies-mp-meets-chief-executive-nhs-sussex-gillets-surgery-balcombe-threat-closure
"I feel that we simply cannot have yet another surgery in our area close: infrastructure needs to be increased, not decreased, and I know the news of this closure of Balcombe Gillets Surgery will come as great disappointment to countless residents who rely on this surgery for appointments and prescriptions.
"I've organised numerous meetings with teams on this issue and ensured I am sharing resident's views who take the time to contact me.
"I'd like to reassure residents that I have been fighting to keep this important surgery open since last year and I will continue to battle for them.
"I will keep my attention on what the response is to the Parish Council letter is too", concluded the MP.
