A WICKFORD doctors’ surgery will close, leaving almost 5,000 patients to look elsewhere for GP services, it has been confirmed.

NHS England has said it will not be renewing its contract for the SEMC practice, based in Wickford Health Centre, in Market Road, despite a campaign from residents.

The other practices within the centre will remain open.

The confirmed closure has left residents and councillors fearing that waiting times will spike and doctors will face extra pressure.

Peter Holliman, Conservative councillor for Wickford, said: “With the growing population in Wickford, we’re going to struggle with our insufficient surgeries.

“The waiting times for everyone will be awful.”

SEMC patient, Christine Papalabropoulos, 61, from Harris Close, Wickford, said: “I’m gutted by this news because this will mean enormous pressure on our doctors and impact on vulnerable patients.

“I’ve a daughter who has severe learning disabilities and we have no problems with SEMC.

“I fear we won’t get the same service at another GP.”

However, The Gore Surgery, in Basildon, which is also run by SEMC and was facing closure by the NHS as well, has been saved.

Labour councillor Andrew Buxton said: “This is fantastic news, it just shows the power of the community saving something that’s so important to them.”

Patient, Ron Noble, 62 from Roodegate, said: “I’m glad it’s staying open, I’ve been a patient there for more than 30 years.”

Councillor Gavin Callaghan, chairman of the policy and resources committee at Basildon Council, said: “This shows that the council can exert influence on its partners to protect services for residents and I am really pleased that together councillors and patients have made NHS England come to their senses.”

Rachel Webb, director for NHS England East, said: “NHS England and NHS Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group are looking to develop GP practices in Wickford that have larger patient list sizes and long term contracts, to ensure that GP services are more sustainable in the future.”