Stop closure of local NHS Walk-in centre

Merton Council's role in the decision to close the Wilson Health Centre has been questioned, after a top councillor admitted the Council "shares the concerns of residents" about the decision.

The Wilson GP surgery and walk-in centre in Mitcham is set to close at the end of March when the contract ends with the current NHS provider.

NHS bosses initially refused to confirm that a replacement walk-in service would be provided, but have since backtracked.

In an open letter to local NHS boss Dr Andrew Murray, Lib Dem health campaigners Claire Mathys and Carl Quilliam have today joined calls for the closure to be halted, whilst significant issues remain outstanding.

Carl Quilliam, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Wimbledon said:

“This process seems to have been botched from start to finish. It's shocking that Merton Council doesn't really seem to have been involved in this decision on key local services. Local community groups have told me that they weren't consulted properly and patients and local residents are still unclear about what services will replace the Wilson.

“In response to Lib Dem questions, the Labour councillor in charge of health and social care said the Council 'shares the concerns of residents' over the decision. That simply isn't good enough when the closure is just weeks away - what's he doing about it?"

Claire Mathys, Lib Dem Parliamentary campaigner for Mitcham and Morden, added:

“It is still hugely unclear what people from more vulnerable groups - homeless people, refugees or those with chronic mental health problems will do when the walk-in centre closes. They'll have no option other than to go to our already overstretched A&E.

“The Wilson should stay open until the new health centre is completed, or until it is clear there will be proper replacement services that will bridge the gap.”