URGENT talks are being held to discuss possible alternatives to the Harlow One Stop Shop clinic for young people which closed this week.
The health suite at Occasio House, which provided a broad range of support services for 13-25 year-olds including a sexual health clinic, was axed by NHS West Essex due to funding and accommodation “issues”.
But there are fears the closure could lead to a rise in sexually-transmitted infections and teenage pregnancies in the town.
Since the news was first broken by the Star, community leaders have criticised the PCT for failing to consult about the decision and for giving just three weeks notice of the closure.
Harlow MP Robert Halfon said he could not understand the reasons for the closure because the health trust had received an extra £12m in funding this year.
Joel Charles, Harlow Council’s portfolio holder for community and citizenship, confirmed the authority has held an urgent meeting to “discuss options”.
“As the community leader the council brokered an urgent meeting between several organisations to discuss options for the future of the health suite in Occasio House which is now closed,” he said.
“The council’s chief executive has also written to the NHS West Essex urging that the services are kept going to give more time for these discussions to identify a way forwards.”
Cllr Charles added: “We also hope that any proposals to shut or change any other NHS West Essex services are subject to proactive communication to enable partners to work together to prevent an occurrence of the situation that Harlow young people currently find themselves.”
Meanwhile, Mr Halfon has started an online petition –www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/saveoccasiohouse – against the closure which he said he hoped would put pressure on the trust.
“It is important that we show the strength of popular feeling about this in Harlow and increase pressure on the PCT to change their minds. That's why I have started an online petition for local residents to show their support.”
Dr Rob Gerlis, director of commissioning, said: “NHS West Essex continues to commission sexual health services for young people in Harlow. In fact, there has been considerable investment in these services over the last three to four years.
“The One Stop Shop accommodation is no longer available to the NHS. This was provided by a partnership with Essex County Council, Connexions and Harlow District Council in which the councils have ceased to participate.
“We are listening to the views of local people and will take these and any petitions on board as part of our close monitoring of local services over the next couple of months.”
