Mid Norfolk MP will meet with NHS to save a Dereham surgery

Conservative MP for Mid Norfolk, George Freeman, wrote to NHS Norfolk and Waveney and offered to chair the meeting between it and the landlady of Toftwood Medical Centre, Mona Nasser.

NHS bosses are considering closing the centre since its contract with the surgery is expected to expire in March 2025.

Mr Freeman has called for a meeting to save NHS services in the area (Image: UK Parliament)

The health body argues the surgery's building is too small for the area's growing population and is in need of investment. 

It also said it had been unable to resolve the expiration of the property's lease with Mrs Nasser and could not finalise a new one. 

Patients at the surgery want to see its services remain in Toftwood (Image: Newsquest) However Mrs Nasser, said she will do "absolutely everything in my power" to keep the surgery open.

The plans to close the surgery were met with backlash from the community, which believes there are viable options to keep a surgery in the south of Dereham.

Mr Freeman said: "Further to my meeting with the ICB, the local councillors and I have now had communications with the landlord of the surgery.

"She wants to work with the ICB to find a way to get the lease renewed and as such I have made an offer to convene a meeting with all parties to see if there is any possible way forward.

"I am determined to do all I can for the residents of Toftwood and South Dereham to ensure they continue to have access to a local doctor's surgery.

"As Dereham continues to grow, it's clear that we need more GP practices in our area, not fewer."

NHS Norfolk and Waveney confirmed it would be meeting with the MP and Mrs Nasser.

There will be a ticketed town hall meeting on Wednesday in Dereham where members of the public are invited to share their views.

You can register for the event here: https://tinyurl.com/5hw6xz69