Proposed Closure of
The Shaftesbury Avenue Surgery

Questions about the application:

​

1. Why is Thorpe Bay Surgery applying to close the Shaftesbury Avenue Branch Surgery?

This is due to the partners and landlords being unable to reach a satisfactory agreement regarding changes to the new lease for the premises, therefore we will unfortunately not be able to continue to offer services from The Shaftesbury Avenue Surgery site.

​

2. What other options were explored besides closure, and why weren’t they viable?

Over the past months we have tried various solutions and had many discussions to try and keep the branch surgery open. However, it is with regret, we have unfortunately had to make the difficult decision to apply to PCCC to close, and PCCC will make a recommendation to the MSE ICB Board who will make the final decision.

3. What will happen to the building at 119 Shaftesbury Avenue?

The building is privately owned and the owners will make any decisions about the future of the premises.

Questions about registering with a new practice:

​

1. I am a patient at Shaftesbury Avenue, what will this mean for me?

Shaftesbury Avenue is currently a branch of Thorpe Bay Surgery, therefore, if the decision is made to close the branch surgery, patients will still be registered with the practice and will have the choice to be seen at either Thorpe Bay Surgery, 99 Tyrone Road, Thorpe Bay SS1 3HD or North Shoebury Surgery, Frobisher Way, Shoeburyness SS3 8UT.

2. Can I choose to register somewhere else?

Yes, as long as you live in the chosen practice’s catchment area, and the practice is taking on new patients, you may register with a practice of your choice. The NHS GP finder website at https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-GP is helpful in finding out about practices near to you. You can also visit your chosen practice’s website, or give them a call, to find out if your postcode falls within their practice boundary.

​

Practices closest to The Shaftesbury Avenue surgery are:

​

The Practice Northumberland Avenue 32 Northumberland Avenue, SS1 2TH

Central Surgery – Southchurch Blvd 27 Southchurch Boulevard, SS2 4UB

Warrior Square Surgery 61 Warrior Square, SS1 2JJ

Queensway Surgery 75 Queensway, SS1 2AB

North Avenue Surgery 332 North Avenue, SS2 4EQ

St Luke’s Health Centre Pantile Avenue, SS2 4BD

Questions about changes to the services:

1. Would the opening hours change?

No, both Thorpe Bay and North Shoebury Surgeries are open during the same hours as Shaftesbury Avenue is currently.

2. Would I still be able to use my online access?

Yes, as Shaftesbury Avenue is a branch of Thorpe Bay Surgery, there would be no change to any online services.

3. Would I still be able to book an appointment in the same way?

Yes, you would still be able to make an appointment in the same way, using Anima or by contacting either Thorpe Bay Surgery on 01702 582670 or North Shoebury Surgery on 01702 297976.

​

4. Would patients still be able to get an appointment with the same GP at the other branches?

All clinicians currently work across the three branches and you would still be able to see a GP face to face, via a phone/video consultation, access Anima and request home visits in the same way. Should you be receiving treatment for a long-term condition, please contact the practice as you would normally do.

5. Would patients continue to use the same pharmacy?

Yes, your choice of pharmacy would not change, unless you request a different one.

​

6. Would there be any interruption in care?

No, there would be continuity of care as all patients are registered under the main site of Thorpe Bay Surgery.

7. What steps has the practice put in place for those who may find travel to other sites harder and to safeguard continuity of care?

All patients would have full access to GP/ANP and Nursing appointments at the other two sites during all the contracted hours. These can be done over the telephone or via video call if some patients find travel harder. There are circumstances where a face-to-face appointment would be preferable.

8. Would we have a named GP to whom the consultant can write?

Yes, you would still have a named GP who consultants can write to directly. You can choose to see a GP of your choice wherever possible, though this cannot always be guaranteed.

​

Questions relating to Patient Participation Groups:

​

1. I would like to become a Patient Participation Group member; how can I register for this?

All PPG meetings are currently held at the PCN site at Norton Place, if you are interested in becoming a member, please go to the PCN website www.southendeastpcn.co.uk/ppg to complete and submit the registration form.

How can I provide feedback?

​

1. How will patients be engaged if they do not have access to the internet?

For this engagement, we will be sending out paper copies of the survey to anyone who requests one. We will also be sending out text messages and providing information at the practice.

We will be holding a patient engagement meeting, this will be from 6.30pm – 8.30pm on Tuesday 4th June 2024 at our PCN site: St Andrews Church Hall, Church Road, SS3 9EU Please inform the practice if you would like to attend in order for us to try and accommodate numbers.