Previously, the PCT had formulated plans to close six of the 14 clinics in the borough and had not even consulted Lewisham Council's Healthier Communities Scrutiny Committee. The PCT are due to attend the committee meeting on Monday 12th March to explain their proposals.

Residents and local Liberal Democrat councillors joined forces to campaign against the closure, and a petition of nearly 2,000 signatures was collected. Older patients were particularly concerned at the prospect of having to travel further to access basic local healthcare.

Cllr Dan Houghton, who was due to speak against the closure at the Healthier Communities meeting on Monday 12th March, said "The PCT's U-turn is vindication for us all as we successfully argued that elderly patients would suffer if services were relocated."

Cllr Cathy Priddey said, "The PCT needs to review its consultation procedure with local residents and elected representatives. In particular, their decision to bypass the Council's scrutiny process is very worrying."

Lewisham East Spokesman Chris Maines said, "This is a victory for keeping health services local. I am delighted that the clinic will remain open."