THURROCK Council is considering saving a medical centre, threatened by closure, by buying the centre.

The council is considering options regarding the purchase of the East Tilbury Medical Centre, Coronation Avenue, East Tilbury.

The centre along with the the Corringham Medical Centre, Giffords Cross Road, Corringham were due to close last November but following an outcry from patients the Thurrock Clinical Commission Group (CCG) decided to halt the plans.

The Thurrock Gazette understands the centre buildings are currently up for sale.

Hundreds of patients attended meetings last October and November to give their views and support for the centres.

The matter will be discussed at a Thurrock Council meeting tonight

Lena Sewell, 63 from Deben. East Tilbury uses the East Tilbury Medical Centre.

She said: “I think it would be an excellent solution for the council to buy the East Tilbury centre.

“We need to keep that centre and the current doctors, nurses and staff. The nurses know the patients so well and know just what to advise for patients.

“If it was to close down it would be such a loss to the community. I do think that Thurrock Council should step in, someone has to help save our medical centre.

“But the same service, doctors and nurses must stay there.

“There are some whole families, with all their children who use that service.

A spokesman for the Thurrock CCG said: “We are aware of Thurrock Council’s Cabinet meeting to discuss potential options for the purchase of East Tilbury Medical Centre, but as yet nothing has been confirmed.

“We would like to reassure patients and the public that they will continue to have access to primary care services at East Tilbury and Corringham.

“NHS Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will liaise with all agencies concerned to ensure the long-term future of primary care services in this area.”