Struggling GP surgery could be replaced by state-of-the-art health centre
A STATE-of-the-art health centre could replace a GP surgery in Newcastle’s outer west that is struggling to meet health and safety standards.
Planning bosses are set to approve plans to turn the derelict site of a demolished Newbiggin Hall social club into a new surgery.
The Saville Medical Group says that urgent action is needed to replace its existing Trevelyan Drive practice, which has “inadequate” toilet facilities and infection control measures as well as a “gross shortage” of consulting space and poor accessibility.
Proposals for a new two-storey health centre on the nearby site of the former Westerhope and District Comrades Social Club are now due to come before Newcastle City Council’s planning committee on Friday.
City planners state that the existing practice “is no longer considered fit-for-purpose” and that the new facility would “strengthen the vitality and viability Newbiggin Hall Local Centre”.
It is hoped that the new medical centre will complement a planned regeneration of Newbiggin Hall’s neighbourhood centre with new homes and shops.
However, transport officials have raised concerns over parking problems that could be caused by the development.
The GP practice plans to relocate 12 admin staff to the facility from its sister surgery in the city centre and the council says the 30-space parking provision offered in designs for the new site falls short of its standards.
But councillors have been advised to back the plans nonetheless as they represent a “significant improvement” on the existing surgery, which has just nine spaces – none of which are available for patients.
A planning application for the new centre states that it will offer improved accessibility for disabled patients, reduced waiting times, and extended hours.