COUNCILLORS have voiced fears over standards at a troubled NHS medical centre in Southend after withdrawal of the company running it.

Chilvers McCrea Health-care has announced it will end its contract with the Pier Medical Centre, in Northumberland Avenue, blaming the recession.

The company is pulling out in February 2010, prompting concern among patients and councillors about the quality of care provided by the centre.

Borough councillor Martin Terry (Ind, Westborough), who is a patient at the surgery, spoke out at the council’s community services scrutiny committee meeting, urging NHS South East Essex to act to guarantee standards.

He said: “I attended a patients’ forum meeting last week at which we were told a number of redundancies would be made at the surgery.

“We were told it would struggle if there was a swine flu outbreak.”

Russ Platt, NHS South East Essex’s director of commissioning, told councillors at the meeting he met Chilvers McCrae directors every month.

He added: “I am raising as a matter of concern, that the quality of care should not be compromised.”

Blaine Robin, (Con Kursaal) also expressed concern. But Andrew Pike, primary care trust chief executive, promised if service levels dropped to an unacceptable level the trust would intervene.

Lucy McSherry, spokes-man for Chilvers McCrea said: “We are committed to continuing first class care in Southend and ensuring a transition to new ownership which protects patients.

“Unfortunately, like other businesses and other debt-funded, GP-led practices, we have faced major issues around dealings with banks and the current economic climate.

“As a result, some difficult decisions on staffing during transition have needed to be made.

“That is not easy and is always a matter of regret, but be assured, the decisions we are taking are based on our determination to maintain patient care.”