NHS representatives invited to join MP Sir John Whittingdale and others for public debate about Burnham Surgery

By Ben Shahrabi 11th Aug 2023

Local News by Ben Shahrabi 11th Aug 2023

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NHS representatives are expected to join Burnham Town Council and Sir John Whittingdale MP to debate the possible relocation of the town's surgery, next Friday (August 18).

The "open public forum" will be held at Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham-on-Crouch, from 7pm.

It follows posts on social media suggesting the surgery may be about to move out of the town to the new Burnham Waters development on the western outskirts.

Town Mayor Duncan Rawlinson said: "The town is all fired up about this issue, so we have moved as quickly as possible to get as many of the players as possible to answer their questions and concerns."

Sharon Westfield-deCortez, from watchdog Heathwatch Essex, will moderate the debate.

Relevant decision-makers have been invited to join the forum's panel, including:

Richard Holmes, Director of Maldon District Council.
Sharon Stubbs, Practice Manager at Burnham Surgery.
Dan Doherty, Director of the mid Essex Alliance, part of the Integrated Care Board (ICB), which acts as the local health authority.
Dr Smitesh Patel, clinical director for the local Primary Care Network, made up of the doctors from South Woodham Ferrers and the Dengie.
Ian Holloway, from Burnham Waters Development, who was invited by Sir John.

A spokesperson for Burnham Town Council said: "There are fears that the beautiful rural landscape along the Crouch Valley and around the Dengie is gradually being transformed into something more urban.

"There are also issues around safe pedestrian access to the possible new site."

Last Tuesday (August 8) Sir John told Nub News he suggested the meeting, following previous discussions with developers who he says were keen to meet with the town council.