Presenting evidence against the closure of our NHS walk-in centre

We have been fighting East Sussex Clinical Commissiong Group (ESCCG) over the closure of our NHS walk-in centre for some time now.  When initially we first heard about the proposal it was long before anyone could anticipate the impact that the Covid -19 pandemic would have on our country.

We paused all our efforts to prevent this closure prior to the lockdown being imposed and cancelled all our events until we felt it would be safe to restart.  The CCG also paused the public consultation into the closure.  Then with little warning we heard the consultation was to restart on the 3rd August and run until the 14th September.  So, we have restarted regular protests, where we also collect signatures on our petition outside Eastbourne station.

This week Luette Davies and Ann Newton-Marcial were invited to present the evidence we have collected against the closure to the Health Overview Scrutiny Committee of East Sussex County Council.  In putting together a document from which we could both refer to at the meeting it took us by surprise to see just how many reasons there are for why Eastbourne needs its walk-in centre.

Follow this link to view and download the document containing all the evidence we have collected against the closure of our NHS walk-in centre.

So many people have supported us, assisted us, talked to us and shared their often very moving stories about what the walk-in service has done for them.  Overwhelmingly the Eastbourne population has favoured keeping the walk-in centre.  When we explain what the alternatives are there seem to be a never ending list of reasons why they are not acceptable alternatives.  It is vital you share these stories with your CCG.  Please do complete their consultation as soon as possible.  If you haven’t done so already please also sign our online petition and share with your contacts.

Our NHS has gone many extra miles to help get this country through the Covid-19 pandemic.  We should all be perfectly well aware of just how much it matters. Nye Bevan said: “The NHS will last as long as their enough folk there with the faith to fight for it.”  Bevan said these words when the NHS was first created knowing it will come under attack from future Governments.  We must not forget that.

We will continue to protest and promote our actions on this website.  Anyone who wishes to help out would be welcome.  We do ask that if you intend to come along you wear a mask and maintain social distancing at all times.