AN EMERGENCY health service on Canvey has been scrapped despite calls for it to be spared.

Controversial plans to axe the Saturday service at the Oaklands Surgery in the Central Canvey Primary Care Centre, in Long Road, emerged in September after health officials deemed it too popular and costly to run.

The plans stalled after sparking outrage from patients and political heavyweights Ray Howard, Castle Point Council leader Pam Challis and Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris who called for it to be kept open.

However, now after reviewing the service, the South East Essex Primary Care Centre has stuck to its guns, and closed it for good.

John Pharro, 69, Of Orrmo Road, Canvey, said: “If lots of people were using it then clearly there was a need. Health provisions should not be about numbers, you can’t put money first.

“On a weekend the traffic can be horrendous, especially with all the road closures. Southend and Basildon are just too far for people to go and in an emergency people want to see someone quickly. They shouldn’t be taking this local service away from us.”

Health officials launched the pilot service in 2009 hoping it would alleviate pressure on A&E services in Southend and Basildon hospitals.

However, the trust claims it has seen “no tangible reductions in A&E attendance” and that the “costs incurred to run the service were duplicated with the provision of a GP out of hours service already in place to serve Canvey residents.”

A spokesman from the PCT said: “On November 17, the Castle Point & Rochford Clinical Commissioning Group Board reviewed the results of further public feedback on the decision to stop the Saturday morning walk-in service at the Oakland surgery on Canvey Island.

“Having considered this feedback and all other factors, the CCG board upheld their original decision and the service was discontinued on November 24.

"This review was initiated following local councillor, press and public concern over the CCG board’s original decision to cease this service.

“It was clear from public feedback that when they fully understood the reasons for the CCG board decision, there was public support.”