Surrey Hospital Service Closure Forces Patients to Travel 17 Miles

Technical issues have shut down Dorking Hospital’s audiology unit, forcing Surrey patients to travel 17 miles to Kingston Hospital for care.

Technical Fault Halts Key Audiology Service

A vital NHS audiology service at Dorking Hospital has been suspended due to technical difficulties, prompting a temporary relocation to Kingston Hospital. The disruption, which began recently, has caused concern among patients, especially the elderly and disabled, who now face a 17-mile journey for care.

Temporary Relocation Raises Accessibility Concerns

The service, previously run by Kingston & Richmond NHS Foundation Trust, has moved to Kingston Hospital “initially on a temporary basis,” according to NHS Surrey Heartlands. Patients are being supported with transport where possible, but many report the alternative route is too far and difficult to navigate.

Local Officials Speak Out Over Patient Burden

Marisa Heath, Conservative Chair for Dorking & Horley, voiced concern about the accessibility challenges patients now face. “It’s a real problem for the elderly or disabled. Public transport is time-consuming, parking at Kingston is difficult, and the area is extremely busy,” she said, urging the NHS to restore services locally.

Constituents Facing Hours-Long Travel

Chris Coghlan, MP for Dorking and Horley, echoed the frustrations of residents, noting some patients now endure two-hour, three-bus journeys just to access basic audiology care. He emphasized the need for NHS services to remain within the community to meet growing local demand.

Limited Alternatives Offered Nearby

NHS Surrey Heartlands pointed out that patients may access audiology services through Specsavers branches in Leatherhead, Epsom, and Banstead without a GP referral. However, these options may not suit all patients, particularly those in need of more complex assessments or support services.

Future of Service Remains Unclear

There is currently no confirmed date for the return of audiology services to Dorking. “We remain in urgent discussions with Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust and local providers,” said an NHS spokesperson. “We apologize for the inconvenience and will share updates as soon as possible.