Yellow Advertiser, 6 December 2007

SOUTH West Essex Primary Care Trust is asking local people to give their views on proposals to expand its services in Wickford.
   PCT officials are looking to relocate the practice in London Road in to a new centre along with the two Market Road practices.
Locality director for Billericay, Brentwood and Wickford, Marc Davis, said: "Our aim is to increase and improve health services for everyone who lives in Wickford, providing them from the most up-to-date building.
   "GPs at the London Road practice have told us they would like to expand the services they provide to their patients.
   "By moving their practice into the new centre, along with the Market Road practices, we could create enough »space to provide first-class health services, in a modern environment designed around patients' needs."
   The PCT is also asking for people's views on the possibility of siting a pharmacy, and other services such as charities and social care in the new centre.
   The consultation began on Monday and runs until Monday, February 25, 2008.
Local people can give their views by:

• Coming along to a public meeting on Tuesday, January 22, 2.30pm-4.40pm, or Tuesday, January 29, 7pm-9pm, both at Wickford Community Centre, Market Road, Wickford.
• Completing a form in the consultation leaflet - copies can be requested by phoning 01277 302454.
• Emailing their views to involve@swessexpct.nhs.uk
• Visiting the PCT's web-site www.swessexpct.nhs.uk

   In March 2008, the PCT will present the case for the new centre to the East of England Strategic Health Authority (SHA) - the body which holds the budget for developments of this kind. If the SHA gives the go-ahead, work will begin on the development.