THE district's Primary Care Trust is asking patients to come forward and give their thoughts after it was announced that it plans to hire an outside firm to run a local health centre.

NHS West Essex is looking for a company, or GP service to take over Nazeing Valley Health Centre.

The PCT currently employ all the GP's, nurses and admin staff at the North Street site and has told patients that staff will remain in place during the switchover.

But the PCT is looking for someone else to take over under a Alternative Provider Medical Services contract (APMS).

This means that the group running the centre will provide everything from GP services down to specialised screening services.

The PCT are asking patients for their input to find the best way forward.

The consultation runs until October 16, and a public meeting is being held at Nazeing Golf Club, Middle Street, Nazeing, at 7pm, on Tuesday, September 22.

Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting will be attended by senior members of the PCT team who will be able to discuss the practice and answer questions.

Copies of the consultation document are available from the NHS West Essex website westessexpct.nhs.uk.

They are also available from Nazeing Parish Council offices at Bumbles Green Leisure Centre, and Elgon Chemists, Nazeingbury Parade, Nazeing.

Completed forms should be sent to NHS West Essex, The Laurels, St Margaret’s Hospital, The Plain, Epping, Essex, CM16 6TN. Envelopes should be marked ‘Nazeing consultation'.