An ailing and outdated GP practice in Whitley Bay has won a second chance at being relocated as its facilities reach breaking point.
Beaumont Park Medical Centre was refused the opportunity by the council to relocate and rebuild on land on Newsteads Drive in May this year. This is despite the practice being 70% smaller than NHS standards and is no longer able to provide the care needed.
North Tyneside Council, at the time, refused to sell the land after 42 residents objected to the loss of green space and traffic concerns. This is despite the fact the proposed site would only take up 14% of the green space in the area.
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The practice subsequently had to close its patient list after it was refused permission to relocate. However, during a cabinet meeting on November 28, councillors agreed the authority is now open to reconsidering its previous decision.
Deputy Mayor Carl Johnson told the meeting: "Because of the list closure and its implications, the practice and the NHS Care Board asked the authority to reconsider its position".
"There is now a risk to the ongoing viability of the practice and that the NHS contract will be handed back. This would have a significant impact on surrounding services if 6,000 patients will need to find an alternative GP.
"One key point is that 86% of the green space remains unaffected by the proposals.
The NHS Care Board said: “We want to ensure there are good primary care services available to all local residents and to do that the practice needs to relocate. The NHS Care Board is supportive of the practice relocating to the proposed location which works well in terms of geographical location (proximity to current practice), access, and public transport links. Unfortunately, the practice has needed to apply to close their list which restricts access to general practice services in the area.
The Whitley Bay Primary Care Network said: “The practice is currently operating from premises that are unfit for purpose and as a result, have been forced to close their patient list. To deliver effective and modern healthcare to our neighbourhood population it is imperative that the practice operates from premises that are fit for purpose.
"There is a serious concern, that there will be significant pressure put upon neighbouring practices should the practice be unable to peruse larger and improved premises and continue in their present building with a closed list.”
"Without a viable alternative to Newsteads Drive, and therefore a long-term plan for the practice, it would raise questions about its long-term viability should the proposed move not be successful."
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