Surrey Downs GPs have reassured patients that they will "continue to get the care they need" after they axed an award-winning healthcare organisation which provided specialist care.

As revealed by the Epsom Guardian revealed yesterday, Epsom Downs Integrated Care Services, Edics, had its contract scrapped to provide specialist treatment and advice at consultant-led NHS clinics in the area.

The move saw the closure of its clinic in the Ebbisham Centre, in Epsom, yesterday morning, and will affect thousands of patients across Epsom, Ewell, Banstead, Leatherhead and Worcester Park. 

Fifty members of Edics’ staff have already been made redundant.

Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group (SDCCG) said although the "contract has now run its course", alternative arrangements have been made for patients.

A spokeswoman said many patients will continue to be seen at the same locations, at clinics run "by the same clinicians, simply hosted by another organisation" so patients should not notice "any real difference".

She explained where clinics are unable to continue at the same locations, short-term replacements will be provided at nearby locations by other local health providers.

 

The spokeswoman said: "Patients who have been referred to, or previously attended an Edics clinic, and may be affected by this change do not need to take any action.

"If patients have an appointment booked at a clinic they should attend their appointment as usual unless someone gets in touch to tell them otherwise.

"If a patient’s appointment is changing, someone will be in touch to let them know.

"Many clinics have a patient telephone line so we would encourage patients to call the number in their letter if they would like to speak with someone about their next appointment."

But yesterday a woman whose husband was treated by for cancer by Edics expressed dismay at the decision and said staff provided "excellent care".

Karen Parsons, SDCCG’s chief operating officer, said it understands that patients may be concerned.

She said: "We would like to reassure any patients who have previously attended, or been referred to, these clinics or providers, that they will of course continue to get the care they need.

"We understand some patients may be worried about what this means for them and we have written to patients to let them know about this change and to reassure them about their future care. 

"This letter includes information about the clinic they attend and what these changes mean for them.

"Our top priority has been ensuring a smooth transition for any patients affected by this change and we continue to work closely with local health providers to ensure clinics continue in the same locations, where possible.

"There are a number of clinics that cannot stay in the same place and in our letter to patients we have apologised for any inconvenience caused by this change."

Information and advice will shortly be available on SDCCG's website.

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