Hadleigh Boxford Group Practice consolidates services at village GP surgery to town medical centre after spike in illnesses

A recent spike in illnesses has prompted a Suffolk GP practice to consolidate patients at its larger town branch, in a potential first step towards shutting its rural services.

Hadleigh Boxford Group Practice (HBGP) confirmed that, as of Thursday, specific patients will only be able to make appointments at Hadleigh Health Centre, rather than Boxford Mill Surgery.

Affected patients include children under the age of five, those with an acute respiratory illness, or those experiencing chest pains or palpitations.

The change was made in response to a significant increase in the number of people with respiratory illnesses, as well as what the practice described as ‘some significant events’ at the Boxford surgery.

A statement from the group practice explained that, for logistical reasons, it was necessary to ensure these patients are seen and attended to at the better-equipped Hadleigh facility.

It comes with the Boxford surgery’s future under consideration, after partners proposed in 2024 to move all services at the village site to Hadleigh, with a decision due early this year.

“We have seen a surge in respiratory illnesses recently and, unfortunately, we have had some significant events at Boxford Surgery, involving very unwell patients,” said a spokesman.

“Trying to manage these events in Boxford is challenging, due to limitations in space, equipment and staff.

“Our concern will always be for the safety of our patients, and so, as a practice, we have decided on a course of action to improve safety when treating these patients.

“This is because, in Hadleigh, there are more members of staff and more equipment available to deal with medical emergencies. We appreciate your understanding.”

The practice has previously stated that Boxford Mill Surgery would require significant investment to bring the building up to the standards of a modern and safe GP setting.

In addition, appointments in Boxford have reportedly steadily decreased in recent years, with the majority of services already provided in Hadleigh.

However, concerns have been raised over the limited transport links that could make accessing the Hadleigh branch difficult for Boxford residents.

The final decision on the Boxford practice’s future will be made in due course by the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board and Primary Care Commissioning Group.