Benfleet residents face loss of second healthcare service, with no date set for reopening
Both the Hollies Surgery and the Tyrells Health Centre in the town have closed
Residents in Benfleet are facing the loss of a second healthcare service in just a matter of months. The Hollies GP Surgery closed in November, and blood test appointments are no longer available at the Tyrells Health Centre, causing problems for locals who now have to travel out of the town for appointments.
Residents say they are “very worried” about the town’s lack of health services, which has been particularly difficult for older residents such as Sandra Roberts, 69.
“Having both shut is such a nuisance”, Mrs Roberts said, “They were close and good services. I am older and now need to get a bus to Canvey Island, or even to Basildon or Southend Hospitals.”
Another issue caused by the closures is the effect it has on other local services, increasing waiting times and decreasing the chance of getting an appointment.
“We certainly need a clinic of some sort in Benfleet; this also means longer waits for getting an appointment. It’s ludicrous, and it feels like there is little or no communication,” Mrs Roberts added.
The Hollies Surgery was shut in November by the Care Quality Commission, which raised concerns about Dr Olusegun Olatokunbo Omosini, who was later suspended amid drug allegations. The blood testing department at the Tyrells Health Centre has also been shut for months following a health and safety inspection.
The NHS has said it plans to reopen The Hollies Surgery under a new name and restart blood testing at Tyrells Health Centre soon, but no date has been set yet.
William Guy, director of primary care at NHS Mid and South Essex, said: “We look forward to sharing positive news about plans to reopen the main building soon, alongside a forthcoming name change. All patients will be written to as soon as we have an open date.”
While James Currell, divisional director of clinical and support services at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We are exploring several options to safely restart blood testing at the Tyrells Centre and will keep local people updated when there is progress.”