THE closure of a medical practice in Burton has been confirmed.

Christchurch Medical Practice (CMP) has confirmed its Burton branch will be closing ‘in the near future’.

In December last year, CMP announced plans to close its branches in Burton and Bransgore as part of a merger project.

It told patients all services would be moved to the Orchard and Barn surgeries in Purewell.

While the Bransgore branch was quick to close, CMP has only just confirmed the Burton site will definitely be closing.

In an update given this month, CMP said: “As many people will already be aware, we have been looking at plans to consolidate our current sites to ensure long term resilience for the practice and improve patient experience.

"We can confirm that as part of these plans we will be closing the Burton site in the near future, meaning that all our services will be delivered from the Purewell Cross Road sites.

"Due to changes within the Primary Care environment, we have unfortunately had no choice but to make this decision.

"Whilst we recognise that many people will be disappointed by this news, we would like to reassure patients registered with the Christchurch Medical Practice that services will continue as normal for the time being and that they do not currently need to do anything to continue to access services; they will also remain patients and do not need to re-register.

"We have been listening to feedback and concerns from patients and we will ensure we take steps to keep people informed over the coming weeks and months."

Plans to close the Burton surgery, located in Salisbury Road, have stirred controversary among residents. 

While the Bransgore practice was described as “rarely used”, Burton has more than 3,680 registered patients and has been called an “essential service” by villagers.

A petition was started shortly after CMP's initial announcement titled ‘Save Burton Medical Centre Practice’ and has received more than 1000 signatures of support.

As reported at the time, MP Sir Christopher Chope vowed to write to NHS Dorset to voice his concerns, and  Burton and Grange ward councillor Simon McCormack warned patients would have to travel further.