Hastings surgery closes doors over staffing 'challenges'

Patients say the Essenden Road Surgery has been closed since last Thursday (June 8), leading to missed appointments and issues around medicine orders.

One patient, Terrance Hill of Bulverhythe Road, said he was not informed when an appointment he had made had been cancelled and was left unable to pick up medication. He also raised concerns for older residents in the area, who he fears may be unable to make it to a different surgery.

A spokesman for Hastings and Rother CCG said: “We are sorry to hear that some patients at the Essenden Road branch surgery in St Leonards have been experiencing difficulties in making appointments and ordering repeat prescriptions.

“The surgery, which is a branch surgery of the Cornwallis Plaza Practice, is currently facing some challenges around staffing levels and the CCG is working closely with the surgery’s management team to put in place the necessary changes that will ensure patients consistently receive a level of service that is safe, effective, and of good quality.

“If patients normally attend the Essenden Road branch for their care, they can also access GP services at any of the other branches of the Cornwallis Plaza practice – including booking appointments and submitting any repeat prescription requests.”

The other branches are: Cornwallis Plaza Surgery in the Station Plaza Health Centre; Shankhill Surgery at 21 Fairlight Road; and Little Ridge Surgery at 38 Little Ridge Avenue.