Hastings medical surgery to close permanently

A branch of a Hastings medical surgery will permanently close at the end of this month, it has been confirmed.
Guestling Surgery will be closing at the end of this monthGuestling Surgery will be closing at the end of this month
Guestling Surgery will be closing at the end of this month

Guestling Surgery, in Chapel Lane, Hastings, will shut on June 30, 2020.

Patients have been told they will remain registered with the Hastings Old Town Surgery, where they can access services at Ice House, in Rock-a-Nore Road.

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The decision to close the Guestling branch was announced on Friday (May 29).

In a note to patients, titled ‘changes affecting Guestling Surgery and arrangements for your care’, Hastings Old Town Surgery said: “It is with deep regret that I have to advise you that we have taken the very difficult decision to permanently close our branch surgery at Guestling.

“Despite the best efforts of the surgery to maintain a local presence, we will be without premises once our notice period expires on 30th June 2020 and therefore, the branch surgery will have to close.

“Patients who use Guestling Surgery will remain registered with Hastings Old Town Surgery, and will be able to be seen and access services at the new premises at the Ice House, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, TN34 3DW.”

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Concerns have been raised about how patients – particularly the elderly – can access the surgery in Rock-a-Nore Road.

Hastings Old Town Surgery said there are ‘good public transport links’ but, during the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasised the use of telephone and video consultations.

The surgery added: “This surgery (in Rock-a-Nore Road) has been recently redesigned, and refurbished and equipped with the needs of all patients firmly in mind. For those without their own transport, there are good public transport links from the Guestling area to the new surgery and, in line with the recent changes made for the Covid-19 pandemic, you will be able to make use of telephone appointments and video consultations.

“If you currently use the pharmacy at the Guestling Surgery, there are a number of other pharmacies in the Hastings area, some of which offer delivery options and other additional services. You can find out about nearby pharmacies using the ‘Find a pharmacy’ option on the NHS website. Patients are encouraged to contact pharmacies directly to discuss their policy on deliveries as well as an understanding of exemptions and arrangements.

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“Should patients wish to seek to register with an alternative practice they should contact East Sussex CCG Primary Care team by phone on 0300 131 4425 or by email at [email protected] who will be able to help.”