A public consultation has been launched by health bosses about the future of a Norfolk GP practice.
Patients, staff and people living close to Toftwood Medical Centre, near Dereham, are being asked to take part.
It has been triggered because the current contract with the centre runs out on March 31, 2025.
As a result, NHS Norfolk and Waveney is reviewing the service. It says the centre provides good services but also faces challenges.
The review felt the building is too small for the population it serves, and also needs investment to ensure it can continue providing good quality care for people.
Its conclusion was to automatically transfer patients to the neighbouring Orchard Surgery and Theatre Royal Surgery on 1 April 2025, and to close Toftwood Medical Centre.
NHS Norfolk and Waveney says Orchard Surgery and Theatre Royal Surgery are expanding their buildings and will be recruiting new staff, so they will have additional space and capacity to care for more people.
Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said:
“We are carefully considering the future of general practice services at Toftwood Medical Centre as the current contract approaches its end in March 2025. We know that the practice provides good care to its patients, however it is important we look to the future and how we can best provide general practice services to the community.
“We know that changing how and where services are provided can have a real impact on people, so we take these decisions seriously. This is why it is vital we hear from the local community about the proposal and what impact it would have before we make any decisions.”
Have your say
You can take part in the online survey here
There is an Easy Read version of the survey here
Download a copy of the consultation document here
Paper copies of the consultation document and survey are available at Toftwood Medical Centre, Orchard Surgery and Theatre Royal Surgery.
People are also invited to attend a drop-in session at Toftwood Medical Centre on 22 October, 1pm-4pm, or 5 November, 10am-1pm.
Once the consultation has closed on November 21, all feedback provided will be reviewed and compiled into a report that will be published on the NHS Norfolk and Waveney website.
