Team Lopez:

Over the weekend we received advice from the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) that the Billet Lane Medical Centre has been temporarily closed due to the discovery of legionella bacteria during routine testing of the water supply. Those registered with Hornchurch Healthcare and Billet Lane Medical Practice and require a face-to-face appointment will be seen nearby and those who had scheduled appointments will be contacted directly.

Julia Lopez MP will be working with the relevant health authorities to ensure that the closure of this premises is kept to a minimum.

Please find a copy of the CCG's full statement below:

Dear all,

We are writing to let you know that unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, the Medical Centre in Billet Lane, Hornchurch, has been temporarily closed until further notice following the discovery of legionella bacteria during routine testing of the water supply.

To ensure the safety of patients, anyone registered with Hornchurch Healthcare and Billet Lane Medical Practice requiring a face to face appointment will be seen at another nearby surgery. Patients due to have appointments at either surgery will be contacted directly.

In the meantime, any patients needing an appointment or further information during opening hours should ring Billet Lane Medical Practice on 01708 442377 or Hornchurch Healthcare on 01708 440187.

Out of hours health services can be contacted by calling 111.

It is important to note that while legionella can be found in water supplies, the majority of people exposed to it will not become ill with Legionnaires’ disease and the illness cannot be spread from person-to-person. However, if anyone does feel unwell they should contact their GP or 111.

For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/legionnaires-disease/

Best wishes,

North East London (NEL) Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)