Unfortunately, the branch surgery at 58 Church Street, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8TQ will close to patients on the 29 February 2024. I know that this news might be disappointing for you – this letter explains what happens next.

Currently, 58 Church Street is used for two days each week as a branch of Billinge Medical Practice. Unfortunately, a CQC inspection identified a significant number of issues relating to health and safety of the building which has led the landlords of the building which houses the branch surgery to issue a termination notice. This means that the branch will not be open to patients after 29 February 2024.

Patients do not need to take any action as a result of this change. Billinge Medical Practice has the capacity to manage all registered patients, including all those patients residing in Orrell. Patients residing in Orrell have always had access to the main surgery for services, particularly as the branch surgery is only available for two sessions per week.

Patients who are unable to access Billinge Surgery due to being housebound will still be able to access home visits.

Following the branch closure all current practice staff will be based at the main surgery; Billinge Medical Centre, Recreation Drive, Billinge.

As a patient of Billinge Medical Practice you do not need to take any action and you will remain registered for Primary Medical Services with Billinge Medical Practice. However, if you wish to register with an alternative GP practice these can be found by either contacting your local Healthwatch via either of the websites www.healthwatchwiganandleigh.co.uk or www.healthwatchsthelens.co.uk or via the NHS website at www.nhs.uk.

This situation has happened very quickly, a meeting has been arranged at St James Club, St James Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7AA on Monday 19th February 2024 at 6:30pm. If you would like to attend the meeting, please register your attendance to jenny.turner3@sthelensccg.nhs.uk

If you have any questions in the meantime, please do make contact at jenny.turner3@sthelensccg.nhs.uk

Yours faithfully

Erika Howell
Dr Fahmin Kabir
Dr Maryam Qureshi

Further Information

For further information about the closure please see frequently asked questions, which we hope will help to answer any questions you may have.