Save Westbourne Surgery
Published: 20 March 2025
Please sign the petition to save Westbourne Surgery
Emsworth Medical Practice has announced that it proposes to close its surgery at the George and Dragon in Westbourne, The Square, from 27 June 2025. This will mean 2,400 Westbourne residents will have to go to Emsworth or other surgeries.
The GP partners at the practice say Westbourne surgery is being used less, as they now deal with more telephone and online consultations. However, the practice is 1.3 miles away and there is no public transport between Westbourne and Emsworth. 30% of residents are over 65 and many do not go online to book appointments, do not have access to a car and many cannot afford taxis to go to Emsworth Surgery.
A consultation on the proposed closure is now open and you can find out more, and have your say, at www.emsworthmedical.co.uk
The Parish Council strongly objects to the closure of the surgery which would have a devastating impact on the village and surrounding communities. It would be more difficult for local people to access essential services, with the elderly, disabled and those on a low income most affected. It would also have an impact on other local businesses, seriously affecting the village, as people often shop here when they come to Westbourne Surgery.
Cllr Nigel Ricketts, Chairman of Westbourne Parish Council, said: "The surgery has been open in Westbourne for decades and any closure is a devastating blow. Residents highly value a local surgery which they can walk to. They would be forced to travel to Emsworth and there is no public transport between the two places. The comments about parking in Westbourne is nonsense as there are two disabled bays outside the surgery and patients who rely on it don't drive anyway. A move to online consultations is also limiting for those who don't use a computer".
Cllr Roy Briscoe, Chichester District Councillor for Westbourne, said: "These proposals have come completely out of the blue. The Council had been led to believe that there was a strong commitment to the surgery when they opened their new centre and that they wanted to continue to serve the local community and meet their needs. The closure will damage village life as facilities are lost and go online and could impact on other businesses too. We cannot afford to lose any more local services as they keep our village thriving. This is a cost saving exercise at the expense of local people".
Cllr Andrew Kerry-Bedell, West Sussex County Councillor for Bourne, said: "We would very much like to work with the practice to keep services open as they are. We urge residents to respond to the consultation and to sign our petition to show your support".
Please sign the petition to save Westbourne Surgery
Written petitions are also available at Westbourne Surgery, The Meeting Place, St John's Church Hall, Westbourne Cafe, Westbourne Community Hall and local pubs.