Update: Norton Place

Healthwatch Southend attended a special meeting of Southend City Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee to discuss the future of Norton Place.

Norton Place is seen as an important local health facility for many people in Shoeburyness and nearby areas. Since the possible closure was announced, we have heard concerns from residents, especially older people, people with disabilities and others who rely on the services provided there.

The committee explained that it cannot overturn NHS decisions. However, it can ask questions, challenge proposals and make sure NHS organisations explain how local people will continue to receive the care they need.

Why is Norton Place at risk?

A representative from the Primary Care Network (PCN) told the committee that Norton Place is not a GP surgery. It is a building used to provide services on behalf of local GP practices.

The PCN said it is facing significant financial pressures and is looking at ways to reduce costs. Closing Norton Place has been suggested as a way to save money, with services moving back into local GP surgeries.

The PCN also said that local GPs would like Norton Place to stay open and that feedback from patients has been positive. Discussions are continuing with Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) about possible funding and other options that could keep the building in use.

One idea is to share the building with another organisation to help reduce running costs.

What concerns were raised?

Councillors asked questions about how a closure could affect residents. The main concerns included:

• whether patients would still receive consistent care

• the impact on older, disabled and vulnerable residents

• extra travel needed for appointments

• waiting times

• whether GP surgeries have enough space and staff to take on the extra appointments

• support for people who are not confident using digital services

• continued local access to blood tests and other community clinics

  
  

Councillors also pointed out that more homes are planned for the east of the city and that Shoeburyness has needed additional healthcare facilities for many years.

Around 250 appointments each week are currently provided through Norton Place. The PCN believes these appointments could be delivered through local GP surgeries instead.

Staffing and funding

The PCN confirmed that staff consultations are taking place and that some administrative jobs may be at risk. Whilst the ICB has found some extra funding, but at the moment it is not enough to secure the long-term future of Norton Place.

No final decision has been made, and discussions about alternative solutions are still continuing.

What happens next?

The committee agreed that if the closure goes ahead, it will need to continue checking how the changes affect local services. It has asked for updated information from the ICB and NHS providers about appointment numbers, capacity and waiting times around six months after any changes are introduced.

Healthwatch Southend will continue to follow developments closely, listen to local residents and make sure that patients’ experiences remain at the centre of these discussions.

We know that many people feel strongly about the future of Norton Place. Our role is to make sure that residents’ concerns are heard and that NHS organisations clearly show how services will remain accessible, safe and effective for everyone who depends on them.

Watch the full meeting recording by clicking on the link below:

HOSC: Norton Place