Medical centre backed by NHS after 15-year wait (From Gazette)

Medical centre backed by NHS after 15-year wait

7:00pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in News By James Calnan

A NEW £1.5 million medical centre may be built in Wivenhoe – 15 years after residents first said they needed one.

NHS North Essex has approved a bid from The Wivenhoe Surgery to build a new premises on land in Colchester Road, next to the fire station.

The proposed surgery, which will require planning permission, will be nearly three times the size of the existing building in The Avenue.

Wivenhoe mayor Robert Needham said: “It’s a landmark day for Wivenhoe. I’m absolutely delighted.

“It will only be surpassed when we actually open the place.”

Mr Needham said the current surgery is based in a “cramped” bungalow, which has been extended over the years A proposed replacement has twice been put on hold because of Health cuts – first in 2007 and again three years later.

The new plans, led by project managers Realise Health, have a lower price tag than those originally envisaged.

However, along with GP surgeries, the centre could offer minor surgery, mental health services, physiotherapy and specialist diabetes clinics.

As a result, Wivenhoe residents will be able to get more treatment in their home town rather than having to travel to Colchester General Hospital.

Dr Andrew Cope, senior partner at The Avenue practice, said staff were enthusiastic about the future.

He said: “Everyone involved at the practice is delighted to hear this news.

“Discussions can now start in earnest regarding the proposed additional services.

“We will keep our patients informed of progress and we hope people will continue to work with us to shape ideas.”

The NHS will pay the rent on the building, which will be smaller than previous proposals, at a cost of £126,000 a year.

Unlike the existing surgery, the Colchester Road venue will have space for parking.

NHS North Essex chief executive Sheila Bremner said the centre would open within three years.

She said: “A development like this takes time; identifying land and developing a viable business case is not easy.

“The scheme offers much better value for public money than previous proposals.

“This is a great result from hard work over the last six months and support from community representatives.”