Recent developments
Although the Surgery was due to close on 7th November 2024, it will remain temporarily open for medicines ordering and collection whilst alternative local medicines ordering and collection options are being progressed and we await the outcome of a formal planning application on the same.
Holt Medical Practice (HMP) have formally applied to North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) for planning permission for the PharmaBox24 (medicines dispensing machine) to be installed at the front of the Village Hall. Blakeney Parish Council will hold a public discussion on the application at the next Parish meeting on 5th November 2024 and then provide prompt feedback to NNDC.
If permission is granted, HMP will be able to swiftly move the project forwards, order the PharmaBox24 and start conversations with patients on an individual basis to make sure this change is well managed. Patients should be reassured that there will be no changes or cessation in service from Blakeney Surgery without further communication from HMP. However, if the planning application for the PharmaBox24 is denied, then the Surgery will unfortunately close without an alternativelocal solution in place.
In addition to the application for the PharmaBox24 to be installed in Blakeney, we have applied for a second PharmaBox24 to be installed on the Holt Medical Practice site. The installation of the machines would allow 24 hours a day 7 days a week prescription collection which will especially benefit those who may be limited by transport or working patterns and will help reduce queues and waiting times at the Pharmacy.
The Background
The detailed reasons behind why we applied to close Blakeney Surgery are set out in our submission document (PDF).
The Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care Board (“NWICB”) recommended that HMP be permitted to close the Surgery. A copy of those recommendations can be found below:
Agenda Pack for Primary Care Commissioning Committee Meeting on 7th May 2024 (see pages 21 to 44 plus appendices) (PDF)
What happens now?
For now, absolutely nothing will change for any of our patients that currently collect or order their medication from Blakeney Surgery. Further updates will be communicated by HMP once a decision on planning has been made.
The services currently offered from Blakeney Surgery will remain in place until you hear otherwise.
Our focus now is to find a suitable alternative (but still local) site where we can relocate the medications collection and ordering service. This would mean patients would still be able to collect and order their medication in or around Blakeney without needing to travel significantly further.
What to do if you are personally concerned?
Please try not to worry. We are several months away from any change and at this stage in the process we have very little detail to share.
We will continue to share new updates with patients as and when they evolve and are hopeful that with local support for a solution, we will be able to keep the impact of closure to a minimum.
Healthwatch Norfolk may also be a useful source of reliable information or advice.
