Pedreguer health centre project moves closer

ANOTHER small step forward on the long journey towards Pedreguer’s new GP clinic made this week offers patients reassurance that this crucial facility is a definite – even if the process is slow.

After a seemingly endless wait for the brand-new surgery, which was promised back in 2009, the regional health authority has confirmed the complete plans will now be drafted.

It has set aside just over a quarter of a million euros and put the job of designing the health centre out to tender. Once the contract is awarded, it will be the last stage necessary before the builders are appointed to get started. According to the health authority, the job of building the complex will be put out to tender next year.

The regional government and Pedreguer council have already worked out what they want from the design – five

GP consultation rooms, three nursing stations, a paediatric surgery, a children’s nurse room, blood-testing area, and an A&E service.

A follow-up care unit will be included within the 1,406 square metres of the future building.

All electricity will be supplied via solar panels, and proper insulation and ventilation will ensure artificial means of heating or cooling can be kept to a minimum without compromising patients' comfort.

It falls within the regional government's health service 'growth plan', involving refurbishments, rebuilds or additional GP practices in 58 towns, plus another 38 renovations for hospitals. The health authority has set aside just under €660 million for the region, of which nearly €225m is for Alicante, where 34 clinics are due for revamps, expansion or reconstruction before the end of 2023.