Home > Toftwood residents to be supported with transition to new GP surgery

Toftwood residents to be supported with transition to new GP surgery

10th December 2024

NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) have today (10 December) approved the decision to close Toftwood Medical Centre from 1 April 2025 and are committed to supporting patients through this change.

The closure of the surgery in Dereham comes after years of discussions exploring various alternative options and negotiations with the property owner, as well as the recent public consultation and a thorough review of the feedback received.

This decision was approved at a meeting of the Primary Care Commissioning Committee on 10 December and it follows a period of public consultation which opened on 10 October 2024 and closed on 21 November 2024.

Patients currently registered at Toftwood Medical Centre will be transferred to one of the two other GP practices in Dereham – Orchard Surgery or Theatre Royal Surgery. This will happen automatically, and people will be contacted in advance of these changes, so there is no need for patients to do anything themselves.

The ICB will work with all three practices to manage this transition and to support patients around this change.

Once patients have been registered with either Orchard Surgery or Theatre Royal Surgery, they can choose to register with a different practice if they prefer, provided they live within that practice’s catchment area.

Around half of the patients living in Toftwood are already registered at these two surgeries in Dereham, both are rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and have above average patient satisfaction scores for Norfolk and Waveney surgeries.

Both surgeries are working to increase their capacity to accommodate both current and new patients, and the ICB will be working closely with them to ensure everyone has access to quality primary care services when they need them.

Sadie Parker, Director of Primary Care at NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback during this process. We understand how important this practice has been to the community, and it is unfortunate that despite exploring all available options, a resolution could not be found to keep Toftwood Medical Practice open.

“Our priority remains ensuring all patients receive the high-quality care they deserve, and we are committed to supporting a smooth transition as they continue to be looked after by neighbouring practices. We will work closely with these practices to provide ongoing support and ensure continuity of care for everyone affected.”

The ICB will now join the Dereham Town Planning Group set up by MP George Freeman to join discussions about the long-term future provision of health services for the growing population of Dereham and the surrounding area.

You can read more about the consultation feedback and Primary Care Commissioning Committee paper on the ICB website.

Information for Toftwood Medical Centre patients

If you are a patient or a carer for someone currently registered at Toftwood Medical Centre, please click the boxes below to find information to some of the questions you may have.

Patients do not need to do anything at this point, please wait to be contacted with more information.

  • Q: How has this decision been reached?

    The closure of Toftwood Medical Centre comes after years of discussions exploring various alternative options and negotiations with the property owner, as well as the recent public consultation and a thorough review of the feedback received.

    This decision was approved at a meeting of the Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) Primary Care Commissioning Committee on 10 December and it follows a period of public consultation which opened on 10 October 2024 and closed on 21 November 2024.

  • Q: How was my feedback to the public consultation used?

    We would like to thank every person, group and organisation who took the time to share their thoughts, feedback and ideas.

    All feedback was analysed and considered by the ICB. You can read a full report detailing the consultation process and feedback received.

    This feedback was one important element used to make this decision. More information can found in the Primary Care Commissioning Committee paper.

  • Q: What happens now?

    Toftwood Medical Centre patients do not need to do anything themselves. Until 31 March 2025, Toftwood Medical Centre will remain open.

    Patients currently registered at Toftwood Medical Centre will be transferred to one of the two other GP practices in Dereham - Orchard Surgery or Theatre Royal Surgery. This will happen automatically from 1 April 2025, and people will be contacted in advance of these changes with more information.

  • Q: What do I need to do?

    Patients do not need to do anything themselves at this point and will be sent more information in the new year.

    In advance of Toftwood Medical Centre closing on 1 April 2025, patients will be automatically allocated to a practice in Dereham, either Orchard Surgery or Theatre Royal Surgery.

  • Q: Can I transfer to another surgery to the one I’ve been automatically transferred to?

    Once patients have been registered with either Orchard Surgery or Theatre Royal Surgery, they can choose to register with a different practice if they prefer, provided they live within that practice’s catchment area.

    We ask that patients wait until they have been notified of their new practice so they can make an informed decision about what is best for them.  

  • Q: What does this mean for the Wellbeing Pharmacy in Toftwood?

    The Wellbeing Pharmacy next to Toftwood Medical Centre will remain open.

    If you currently collect your prescriptions from this pharmacy, you will still be able to, without having to notify anyone.

    This pharmacy offers a range of services including the ‘Pharmacy First Service’ where patients can get healthcare advice from a pharmacist for a number of conditions, with no appointment required. Conditions include earache, sore throats, and Urinary Tract Infections.

  • Q: What quality of care will I receive at Orchard Surgery and Theatre Royal Surgery?

    Both are rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and have above average patient satisfaction scores compared to the average across Norfolk and Waveney surgeries.

    The surgeries are working to increase their capacity to accommodate both current and new patients, and the ICB is working closely with them to ensure everyone has access to quality primary care services when they need them.