A doctor says plans to relocate a surgery in South Woodham are barmy.

Proposals to move The New Surgery out of temporary buildings have been attacked by Dr John Cormack as a waste of taxpayers' money.

The New Surgery is based in the temporary buildings in the car park of the Greenwood Surgery in Tylers Ride, South Woodham.

The two practices have been next door to each other since March, following a dispute over the running of the Greenwood Surgery.

Dr Cormack continued at the Greenwood Surgery, while Maldon and South Chelmsford Primary Care Trust set up The New Surgery next door.

Now the PCT is looking for premises in South Woodham to relocate The New Surgery from the temporary buildings.

Dr Cormack said: "This is the latest chapter in a comedy of errors, made considerably less amusing by the lasting damage it has brought about in South Woodham.

"Quite what has prompted the move at this stage I don't know.

"This was a completely barmy exercise, costing hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money - funds that should have been used for healthcare, for projects that will bring lasting benefit to the town.

"Instead we have three practices literally within a stone's throw of each other. Now, of course, the PCT will have to move these patients on yet again, pouring yet more money down the drain as it does so.

"They have to learn from the mistakes of the past. The PCT must stop acting in a high handed manner and conduct a genuine and inclusive consultation exercise to find out what is needed and where."

Mike Harrison, chief executive of the PCT said: "Staff and patients have been very impressed with the quality of the environment inside the portable buildings, but it is not and was never intended to be a permanent solution.

"We are currently seeking to identify new premises in the centre of South Woodham Ferrers to become a permanent home for The New Surgery.

"It may be we convert an existing building or we might find purpose-built accommodation if we locate a suitable site.

"Either way, patients can look forward to a well-run practice which will build on the excellent foundations laid by the team during this year."

The temporary accommodation was granted a two-year planning consent in March this year.

Mr Harrison said the PCT had done everything possible to support Dr Cormack in setting up his new practice.

Published Thursday December 23, 2004

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