Telford medical centre plans move a step closer
Ambitious plans for a new medical centre in Telford have been allowed to progress to the next stage by health bosses.
The new facility would replace Shawbirch Medical Centre, which has more than 13,000 patients.
Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has considered an outline business case surrounding the scheme and has given permission for a full business case to be drawn up.
It comes as the medical practice has reported a huge growth in patients in the last couple of years.
Its patient list is expected to grow by 5,000 in the next 10 years.
Telford and Wrekin CCG, Shawbirch Medical Practice and NHS England are working together on the project.
Dr Paul Davies, a GP partner at Shawbirch, said: “There is still a lot of work to be done but we are committed to moving forward with the full support of the CCG.
“Our patients are being kept informed of developments through our patient participation group and are supportive of our aims.”
Dr Jo Leahy, the CCG's chairwoman, said: “The area has a growing population with new development taking place.
"Our primary concern is to ensure that there is resilience in place to ensure everyone has access to the health services that will be required.
“Together we shall explore innovative possibilities for providing a greater range of services that will ensure more patients can access the care they need closer to home."
The outline business case stated that the existing premises is generally considered to be adequate, but it fails to provide appropriate facilities for car parking, patient confidentiality – particularly in reception areas as the practice lacks an interview room – and minor surgery.
It says the lack of available space is preventing the practice from taking on additional services.
Shawbirch Medical Centre opened in 1991.
The plans state that the ability to develop the building on its existing site has been exhausted as the building has been extended and is now constructed to the maximum possible size for the site.
The practice is also affiliated to Keele University for medical training but has to limit the number of medical students who can be taught due to lack of rooms and the pressure this puts on clinicians.
A suitable site for the new medical centre has been identified within half a mile of the existing surgery, off Brandon Avenue.
