Public events over closure of Eastbourne walk-in medical centre

A consultation has been launched by the local NHS group into the potential closure of the service, which it claims is already being covered by others.

The first event is happening on Wednesday (March 4) from 10am-12pm in Kingsmere Community Association, Conqueror Hall in Harold Drive.

The next will be on Saturday, April 4, from 11am-1pm in St Saviours Church Hall, South Street.

The third and final event will be on Tuesday, April 21, from 6pm-8pm in the Hardwicke Suite at Eastbourne Lawn Tennis Club in Devonshire Park.

Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) is looking into closing the station walk-in centre to save money.

It says the service is already catered for with ‘improved GP appointments’, the 111 phone service, and an Urgent Treatment Centre now at the District General Hospital.

Reacting to the news, Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell said, “I’m concerned about this proposed change because on the face of it, it creates more pressure on other GP practices and reduces access and options for patients.

“I know it is highly valuable in the community and I’ve used this facility myself, late one Christmas Eve, and was very grateful for the antibiotics they prescribed.”

A consultation was launched into the closure at the beginning of February, to close on April 30.

Paper copies of the consultation document are available from Eastbourne Station Health Centre.

You can also call the CCG on 01273 403687, or email us at [email protected] and it will send you a copy.