Plans for new town GP surgery are ‘being developed’

PLANS are ‘being developed’ for a much-needed new Nuneaton GP surgery - but it still will not open for years.

Money has been set aside for the new facility to serve Weddington for years but health bosses insist it will not be needed until 2027.

Earlier this year, we reported that a location was finally confirmed for the GP surgery - land off Weddington Lane after plans for it to be located on the huge proposed Top Farm development were ditched. At the time, Coventry and Warwickshire CCG, which is now known as NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), said that it did not need to open until 2027.

This is despite a growing number of housing developments having either been built or proposed to be built in the area. Even Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is proposing to increase its number of councillors and create new wards to keep up with the number of new people moving to the area.

We have been told the operational date for the GP surgery still remains as 2027. A spokesperson from NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board said the extended GP service, run by Onemedical Group at St Nicolas Medical Centre, is helping to deal with demand in the area.

“NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board works to ensure everyone in Coventry and Warwickshire has access to safe and effective Primary Care services,” the spokesman said in a statement.

“While we identify the long term solution for GP services in the area of North Nuneaton we have commissioned a new GP service from St Nicolas Medical Centre which is anticipated will cover service provision until 2027.

“A site has been identified as the preferred location for a new GP practice and the ICB is currently developing plans for this new provision. We will engage with local stakeholders and keep them updated on developments. Furthermore, population changes will continue to be monitored to ensure the needs of the local population are met.”