This article has been updated since it was initially uploaded on 25 January. You can now read the formal response to Julia's query from Zina Etheridge, CEO of NHS NEL at the bottom of this page.
Earlier this week Julia Lopez MP received notice from the local NHS Integrated Care Board that the Upminster Medical Centre will close in August – a copy of that update is provided in full below.
Patients have received advice on the relocation of services to the Rainham Health Centre and offered support on how to register with a new practice, if they wish to do so. Julia has written to the Integrated Care Board to seek clarity on the support offered to nearby practices to accept new patients and of their wider efforts to ensure there are sufficient GPs for the community beyond the closure. An update will be provided once Mrs Lopez has received the ICB’s response.
Dear stakeholder,
We would like to inform you that the ICB will shortly be launching a reprocurement for the primary care services contracts for the following practices:
- Victoria and Five Elms in Dagenham
- Rainham Health Centre (Havering)
- Upminster Medical Centre (Havering)
This follows confirmation from East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) that the Trust is withdrawing from running some primary care services.
Following a detailed review, ELFT has decided to realign its primary care portfolio to better serve patients and communities, while focusing on areas where the Trust can have the greatest impact. This decision will see ELFT focus on its three inner East London practices (Newham Transitional Practice, Health E1 in Tower Hamlets, and Greenhouse Practice in Hackney) which provide care to people experiencing homelessness. However, the Trust will no longer deliver primary care services in Bedfordshire, Luton, or in outer north-east London.
The ICB will now be undertaking a procurement process to secure new providers so that when ELFT’s provision ceases later this year the new provider is ready to take over. We expect patients to continue to see the same care teams as the intention is that staff will transfer alongside the services.
Upminster Medical Practice – closure of the site
Upminster Medical Practice in St. Marys Lane, Upminster is a branch site of Rainham Medical Centre. We need to inform you that due to a number of safety concerns, we have had to take the difficult decision to close the Upminster Medical Practice site as of 29 August 2025.
We have been in discussion with the owner of the building to discuss options. Unfortunately due to the significant cost of bringing the building up to standard, they have advised that they will not be undertaking any repairs.
To ensure the safety of both patients and staff, we are now working to move services out of this building and will be consolidating the practice at the main practice site at Rainham Health Centre site in Upminster Road South, Rainham. Registered patients will continue to receive care and support from this site.
We have contacted patients to advise them of the closure of the site and will be working to ensure a seamless transition of services to the main site.
We recognise that any changes to your GP practice can be unsettling for residents, and assure you that this decision has been taken with the practice in the best interests of patients, staff and the practices ability to ensure patient safety and quality care.
We are informing patients are being advised that if they would like to remain under the care of the same medical team, they can continue to be seen at the Rainham Medical Centre. Those who prefer to move to another practice closer to home are being given information and support to help them register with a practice of their choice. A copy of the patient letter that has been shared with all registered patients has been sent to you.
Continuity of care
Please be assured that delivering safe, high quality patient care is our priority in any change to services and we are communicating with registered patients, patient participation groups and local stakeholders as part of these changes.
As we progress the procurement of a new provider, we will be working closely with ELFT and the new providers to ensure the seamless hand over of patient records, care plans, and treatment.
We will continue to update you on this matter when further updates are available.
Best wishes,
Paul Gilluley
Chief Medical Officer
