Toftwood Medical Centre officially shutting
NHS bosses say it's because the surgery is too small for the area it serves
A GP surgery in a Norfolk town is officially shutting its doors despite calls from patients and MPs to scrap the decision.
Toftwood Medical Centre, near Dereham, will close from the 1st April next year - with NHS bosses saying it's because the surgery is too small for the area it serves.
The decision was approved at a meeting of the Primary Care Commissioning Committee on 10 December and it comes after a period of public consultation which opened on 10 October 2024 and closed on 21 November 2024.
Patients currently registered at Toftwood Medical Centre will be transferred to one of the two other GP practices in Dereham – Orchard Surgery or Theatre Royal Surgery.
The NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) says this will happen automatically, and people will be contacted in advance of these changes, so there is no need for patients to do anything themselves.
Once patients have been registered with either Orchard Surgery or Theatre Royal Surgery, they can choose to register with a different practice if they prefer, provided they live within that practice’s catchment area.
"A resolution could not be found"
Sadie Parker, Director of Primary Care at NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback during this process.
"We understand how important this practice has been to the community, and it is unfortunate that despite exploring all available options, a resolution could not be found to keep Toftwood Medical Practice open.
“Our priority remains ensuring all patients receive the high-quality care they deserve, and we are committed to supporting a smooth transition as they continue to be looked after by neighbouring practices.
"We will work closely with these practices to provide ongoing support and ensure continuity of care for everyone affected.”
The ICB says it will now join the Dereham Town Planning Group set up by MP George Freeman to join discussions about the long-term provision future provision of health services for the growing population of Dereham and the surrounding area.