MP ‘remains opposed’ to closure of Eastbourne’s station health centre

Eastbourne’s MP says she ‘remains opposed’ to the closure of the town’s Station Health Centre – which was announced today (Wednesday, December 9) after a long campaign to keep it open.
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Eastbourne’s MP says she ‘remains opposed’ to the closure of the town’s Station Health Centre – which was announced today (Wednesday, December 9) after a long campaign to keep it open.

Caroline Ansell said although she remained opposed to the plan, she welcomed the ‘significant concessions’ made by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

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“I am pleased a new town centre GP branch of the Victoria Medical Practice must be operational before any closure can commence. This was an absolute necessity.

Eastbourne Railway Station Health Centre (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-180504-103041008Eastbourne Railway Station Health Centre (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-180504-103041008
Eastbourne Railway Station Health Centre (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-180504-103041008

“Hwever, big questions remain around how good the proposed homelessness service will be going forward.

“I cannot agree that one-day a week provision could ever replace a seven-day-a-week drop in for vulnerable people.

“Closing the walk-in centre is linked to a very heavy reliance on NHS 111 CAS, especially for our town’s visitors.

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“I have supported local people who have had a negative experience with this service and the consultation highlighted an issue here too.

“I need to see 111 performance indicators to understand if these were isolated incidents.

“I respect the expertise of our local medical leaders with whom this decision lies but further work is needed to evidence that this is a proposal that can be effectively mitigated so town centre residents, the vulnerable and visitors do not miss out.

“I will be seeking answers to the concerns and questions I have from the CCG in the coming days.”

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The decision – reported earlier today here – follows a long-running public consultation process, which began in February and although suspended for several months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic was formally concluded in September.

Speaking at the meeting Jessica Britton, the CCG’s executive manager director, said, “I think it is really important that we acknowledge that the majority of those who chose to respond to the consultation did feel that these services should remain and the full independent analysis of the consultation responses have been provided here.

“We have very carefully considered all feedback we have received and we have reviewed that alongside all of the evidence and other information in making the recommendations we have here today.”

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