MORE than 10,000 patients at a health centre in Bournemouth are at risk of losing their registered service as it faces an uncertain future. 

GPs at Winton Health Centre have announced they want to end their care contract from July 31 this year.

Patients registered at the Alma Road surgery are due to receive a letter informing them of the potential closure. 

However, NHS Dorset has assured services will continue as normal.

Dr Paul Johnson, the chief medical officer for NHS Dorset, said: “The current partners at Winton Health Centre have notified us of their intention to terminate their contract to provide primary care services from 31 July 2023.

Bournemouth Echo: Winton Health Centre in Alma RoadWinton Health Centre in Alma Road (Image: Daily Echo)

“NHS Dorset is now exploring potential options for those registered at the practice and we will be writing to patients next week.  

“In the meantime, services will continue as normal from Winton Health Centre and there is no need for patients to do anything in order to continue receiving care.

Read more: GP patient survey reveals Dorset's best and worst practices

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff for their hard work over the years.” 

Drop-in sessions will be arranged next week for patients to discuss things further, although dates and times are yet to be confirmed. 

Bournemouth Echo: Dr Edward Owen PhDDr Edward Owen PhD (Image: Daily Echo)

Patients, who have yet to be told formally of the closure, have reported the centre is not accepting appointments beyond July and up to now have been left in the dark.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission ranked the Winton Health Centre as 'good' following an inspection in 2021.

Read more: How your Dorset GP rated in annual patient survey

It was previously placed into special measures and rated as 'requires improvement' in February 2019 when it was run by a previous provider.

Dr Edwin Owen, a retired clinical psychologist who volunteers at the centre, said the potential closure is a “serious” matter and is campaigning to keep it open. 

He said: “Discussions have been going on for years to close the health centre. The number of patients there is 10,000 and 11,000 when students come back from their holidays – where are these people going to go? 

“It’s disgraceful that this is happening and if it does close down, where will the patients go? There is nowhere in Winton to facilitate them. 

“They can’t go anywhere.” 

The centre has five GP partners and offers surgical procedures, treatment for injuries, diseases and diagnosis. 

The health hub previously operated as Alma Medical Centre but was renamed in 2019 following a refurbishment. 

Winton Health Centre has been approached for a comment.