Rainham doctor’s surgery moving as local MP calls for more services in area

The Spring Farm Surgery is currently in Upminster Road North (credit: Google Maps)

The group responsible for commissioning NHS services in Havering has rejected claims that a GP Practice in Rainham is going to close down.

But the Havering Clinical Commissioning Group has said the Spring Farm Surgery will be moving from its current site in Upminster Road North to a new location.

The CCG has responded to a petition by the MP for Dagenham and Rainham, Jon Cruddas, after residents contacted him over reports it may close.

A spokesperson for the Havering CCG told Time 107.5FM: “Spring Farm Surgery in Rainham is not closing. It is moving to a new location and patients will still be able to see the same GPs and their practice team, and access the same services.

“A new site has been identified and once details are finalised, the practice will write to all registered patients to let them know about the move and next steps.”

But Mr Cruddas is concerned that the change will negatively impact his residents.

He said: “I have received calls and emails from older residents, those with disabilities, and parents with babies and young children who will now face a bus journey to get medical treatment. Local GPs should be local, not a complicated journey away.”

Following more GP closures and cutbacks I am calling on Govt and @NHSEnglandLDN to restore services across existing facilities or deliver a new Medical Centre for the people of #Rainham, South Hornchurch and Elm Park. Sign and share my petition? https://t.co/XiAaCqSMbD

— Jon Cruddas (@JonCruddas_1) November 20, 2020

Mr Cruddas’s petition is calling for more health services in the south of Havering, and he cites the closure of the Mungo Park Surgery in South Hornchurch earlier this year as another issue for his constituents.

“I have contacted NHS England and the Managing Director of the Clinical Commissioning Group for Havering, Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge to set out the case for a much needed increase in primary health care services for Rainham and South Hornchurch,” Mr Cruddas said. “I have pointed out that over the next four years this area will see an increase of 10,000 in its population just from the housing developments taking place.

“To be reducing services is a recipe for disaster as pressures grow on already overstretched vital services.”

You can view his petition here.

For more on this story, and the latest on our other local and national news, listen to Time 107.5FM