Past press releases

PRESS RELEASE: 28 September 2004

MACK SLAMS SUDDEN CLOSURE OF KEY SOUTH NORFOLK OUT OF HOURS BASE

The Ditchingham base was established by the South Norfolk Doctors' on call GP Co-operative and for many years has been a key part of providing emergency care, with doctors resident during shifts and available for home visits. It is understood that Anglian Medical Care is taking over out of hours services in the Waveney Valley and is closing Ditchingham as part of its relocation of services.

"Ditchingham has been a vital part of the network of emergency care bases in South Norfolk for many years. I am very concerned at the sudden decision of Anglian Medical Care to close the base. I am also disappointed at the lack of consultation with local people and the failure of Southern Norfolk PCT to facilitate this. Reducing the cover in the South Norfolk constituency to a single base in Diss will cause further concern to many residents about the capacity of the new service to meet needs during the coming autumn and winter. It also shows the Labour Health Secretary's promise to keep Saturday morning surgeries and GP home visits to be so many hollow words."

"Liberal Democrats have pledged to ensure that major decisions such as this in the future will be made by democratically elected local representatives, ensuring openess and a genuine public debate. Even at this 11th hour, I urge NHS managers to start such a dialogue, and consider the consequences of their actions".Dr Mack added.

Richard Carden,the local Liberal Democrat Councillor for Ditchingham and Leader of South Norfolk Council also expressed his alarm at the closure. "I am very concerned that this will affect the service received by my constituents and other residents of South Norfolk."

Dr Mack is writing to the Chief Executive of Southern Norfolk PCT to express his concerns.

ENDS