Save Boxford Surgery campaign makes last ditch-effort to try and avert closure of village health centre

A last-ditch effort to try to save a village GP surgery from closure has been put forward, ahead of a crunch meeting to decide its fate.

Today, the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex (SNEE) Integrated Care Board (ICB) will meet to make a decision on the future of Boxford Mill Surgery.

The Hadleigh Boxford Group Practice (HGBP) is proposing to consolidate all of its services at the larger of its two facilities, Hadleigh Medical Centre, which would see the Boxford site shut.

Practice partners claim that the ageing facilities can no longer meet the standards of a 21st century health centre, without significant investment required.

But the plans have faced strong opposition locally, with a petition against the closure gathering more than 500 signatures.

Ahead of the meeting, the Save Boxford Surgery campaign has submitted a formal ‘Objection and Counter-Proposal’ document, calling on health leaders to intervene.

“The overriding wish of the community is that the surgery be retained and appropriate improvements undertaken,” the document reads.

“The representative group acting on behalf of those affected have been struck by the almost-universal determination to retain the facility, and not to embark on any plans to cushion the effects of closure until all avenues are exhausted.”

The Save Boxford Surgery campaign’s counter-proposal document outlines the social, economic and environmental impact that closing the site would have.

The paper also advocates for what is described as a modest investment to bring the surgery up to modern standards.

Campaigners have expressed frustration with ‘the democratic process’ so far, as they feel this has prevented them from having their voices heard.

They cite the example of a recent Suffolk County Council health scrutiny committee meeting, where representatives of both the HBGP and ICB were present – yet no residents were invited to speak.

Campaign leader Colin Parr, who co-authored the paper with David Burden, on the community’s behalf, said: “We are determined to keep a surgery in Boxford.

“At no time during this meeting was the village group’s proposal or objections addressed, neither was anyone able to challenge any aspect of the HBGP’s proposal of closure.

“Whilst the ICB has listened to our concerns, no opportunity to discuss the proposal has been afforded.”

In its final plea, the campaign has urged the ICB to consider the importance of Boxford Surgery ‘in the round’, because of its role as a health hub for more than 3,800 people across multiple villages.

Citing the demographics served by the site, the objection document warns that the impact of closure ‘falls most on the vulnerable and disadvantaged’, with costs transferred on to the public purse.

It states that traffic and carbon emissions would rise due to people having to travel along the A1071 to Hadleigh, and that there would also likely be an increased use of ambulance and A&E services.

The counter-proposal, therefore, suggests that the HGBP develop an investment and improvement plan for enhancements to the surgery – adding that the community is happy to assist this process.

It argues that the cost estimates for maintenance and potential capital investment are minor, when ‘such expenditure would guarantee the continuation of a local primary health service hub’.

“We believe that, in the first instance, the NHS should fund this cost,” the document reads.

“If, however, that is not possible, then there could not be a better use of community infrastructure levy (CIL) funds, and representatives have ascertained that this could be possible.

“Boxford would press for the allocation of this money if necessary.

“Its representatives have ascertained that some additional land at the rear of the building could be obtained, to address disabled access and security issues.

“The surgery is working now. With investment and ingenuity, it can be improved and enhanced to meet the future realistic aspirations for care, in Boxford and the surrounding area.

“The closure of a surgery so highly valued by the community it serves is the antithesis of current government policy, of making the NHS more of a neighbourhood health service, with more care available closer to people’s homes.”