Christchurch Medical Practice to close Burton surgery

Christchurch Medical Practice has announced plans to close its Bransgore branch by the end of January 2024 and then its Burton site in April 2024.

Services would then be continued at the two remaining Orchard and Barn surgeries in Purewell.

Christchurch Medical Practice describe it as an “exciting project” but acknowledges it could make people “feel a bit uncertain”, particularly those registered at Burton.

The practice posted on the NHS website: “As Bransgore is rarely used, this should have minimal impact on patients and services.

Bransgore Surgery in Ringwood Road, Bransgore (Image: Google Maps)

“We want to talk to you about the impact closing the Burton site would have on patients before we move forward.

“We would like to reassure all our registered patients that they will continue to receive the same level of care whatever the outcome of our discussions.”

Christchurch Medical Practice had 7,271 patients at the time of its last CQC inspection in May 2016, however, the Daily Echo has asked for recent figures. 

The practice has said its main priority is to “provide safe, reliable care” for patients.

It added: “By moving to have only the two locations Orchard and Barn, we will be more resilient as a business.

“There is a national shortage of doctors, nurses, and good quality experienced staff. Consolidating our staff in this way gives us a more robust workforce.

“We want to be in a position where we have enough staff in any situation.

The Orchard and Barn surgeries in Purewell (Image: Google Maps)

“We will also have the benefit of more robust and flexible cover when staff are on annual or sick leave.”

Christchurch Medical Practice has shared no details of staff redundancies, adding: “Many staff will continue to work in the branches they currently do.

“There will be some roles where it will make sense for us to locate teams to another site. We will try to keep this to a minimum.”

The practice is expected to continue discussing the merger plans and will provide updates to patients as more information becomes available.

Patients have been told they do not need to do anything to continue receiving care, and that there is no need to re-register at the other branches.

A Spokesperson from Christchurch Medical Practice told the Daily Echo: “We can confirm that the partners of Christchurch Medical Practice are having discussion about a merger of individual sites in order to consolidate services and improve patient experience.

“Due to the limited medical services currently available at Bransgore, the decision has been made to close the branch. This is due to happen by the end of January 2024. As Bransgore is rarely used, this should have minimal impact on patients and services.

“No decisions have been made yet about Burton, however if the merger proceeds, it is likely that all services would be delivered from the Purewell Crossroad sites, Barn & Orchard Surgeries.

“We recognise that this may cause concern amongst some people, however we would like to reassure all patients registered with the practice that they do not currently need to do anything in order to continue receiving care and we will ensure they are all kept informed over the coming months.

“We would also like to be clear that no staff are at risk of losing their job.”