THE government has committed to funding Thornbury’s new health centre, the town’s MP has confirmed.
Claire Young said she had secured a commitment of the £14.4million funding needed to enable the rebuilding of the health centre off Eastbury Road from health minister Karin Smyth, following months of uncertainty after the general election.
The Liberal Democrat MP wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting days after being elected, asking for the new government to commit the funding previously needed to see a new medical centre built.
It came as Labour said the previous Conservative government had announced a number of major projects without having the necessary money in place, raising fears they would not be funded.
However Ms Smyth has now confirmed that the funding will be allocated, subject to the full business case being developed.
It comes as a full planning application for the centre has been published on South Gloucestershire Council’s planning website, following a joint application by the council, which owns the land, and the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge of planning NHS services in the area.
Work on the centre could start early next year.
Ms Young said: “For years local people have been promised a new medical centre, and yet at every turn they’ve seen it fall through, due to a lack of central government funding.
“I am so pleased to have been able to now secure a concrete commitment to fund the building of the centre in my first few months as an MP, which is a big win for local residents.
“Now the focus must be on ensuring the project gets shovels in the ground as soon as possible, so we can put this funding to good use.”
Ms Smyth’s letter said: “I would like to reassure you that we recognise the need for improved health services in Thornbury, and that we remain committed to the Thornbury Health Centre scheme.
“Since the election, we have already approved early fees so that the trust can move forward with delivery.
£14.4 million ‘remains available’
“I am pleased to confirm that £14.4m remains available for allocation and utilisation for the scheme under the STP Wave programme, subject to business case approval.”
The minister said any extra funds would need to come from the ICB or council.
The announcement came shortly after the ICB and council confirmed plans for the new health centre had been submitted for the former Thornbury Hospital site.
It will provide a new home for Severn View Family Practice and Streamside Surgery, who currently occupy a shared building nearby on adjacent.
The health centre would provide a total of 24 consulting rooms, three treatment rooms and two rooms for taking blood samples, with a joint reception and waiting area and office space for both GP practices, as well as Severnvale Primary Care Network.
Sirona Care & Health would also have office space and consulting rooms for community services.
ICB chief delivery officer David Jarrett said: “We are pleased to be moving forwards on the development of a brand-new Thornbury Health Centre with the submission of this planning application.
“The proposed surgery would provide a much need improvement on existing facilities, providing a state-of-the-art healthcare facility for local people.”
Council cabinet member for corporate resources Adam Monk said: “While there are still some key steps to take, making the planning application is an important milestone to support the preparation of a strong business case for the Department of Health to consider next year.”
The plans can be viewed on the council’s planning website.