A GP surgery in a growing area has been threatened with closure after NHS bosses revealed they are considering shutting down the service next year.
A consultation has been opened into the future of Toftwood Medical Centre in Dereham, with its current contract due to expire at the end of March next year.
One option being considered by NHS Norfolk and Waveney will see the facility shut down and its patients shared out between two neighbouring surgeries - Orchard and Theatre Royal.
The surgery in Chapel Lane is currently rated as good by the Care Quality Commission and provides care for around 4,000 registered patients - with the area expecting a groundswell of new homes in coming years.
But with its existing contract due to expire on March 31, 2025, NHS bosses are mulling over whether to allow it to lapse and close the service.
Bosses say the surgery's building is currently too small for the population it serves and would need considerable investment to continue to provide the services the area needs.
Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: "We are carefully considering the future of general practice services at Toftwood Medical Centre.
"We know the practice provides good care to its patients, however, it is important we look to the future and how we can best provide general practice services to the community.
"We know that changing how and where services are provided can have a real impact on people, so we take these decisions seriously.
"This is why it is vital we hear from the local community about the proposal and what impact it would have before we make any decisions."
It comes after NHS Norfolk and Waveney also agreed to the closure of Blakeney Surgery, near Holt, despite fierce uproar from the local community.
The organisation did, however, U-turn on plans to close the Norwich walk-in centre after similar uproar.
The consultation will run until Thursday, November 21, with a decision on its fate to be made on December 10.
To participate in the survey, visit www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/toftwoodmedicalcentre/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel