NHS raises concerns over plan for 319-home redevelopment
Plans for a 319-home redevelopment in the city would impact “already overstretched GP surgeries”, health officials have said as they ask the council for more cash to provide services.
Portsmouth City Council’s Gibson Centre redevelopment plans to regenerate the site of the former Horatia and Leamington towers in Southsea have been criticised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board.
The ICB, which manages services, warned that the
319 new homes, which could result in 746 new residents, would impact four nearby GP surgeries and accident and emergency services.
It said: “Analysis indicates that the patient capacity infrastructure that is affected by these two developments is already at 151 per cent of their capacity and these developments will add to already overstretched GP surgeries, affecting the optimal care existing patients and new patients will receive.
“Having no or limited access to primary care will have a knock-on effect on secondary healthcare, in particular on A&E services, as those people who cannot access their primary care usually will present themselves at the A&E.
“It is expected that (the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board) will require an expansion and reconfiguration of one or more of these surgeries to future-proof primary care against new housing developments.
“The development directly affects the ability to provide the health service required to those who live in the development and the community at large.
“Without securing such contributions, the ICB (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board) would be unable to support the proposals and would object to the application because of the direct and adverse impact that the development will have on the delivery of primary health care.”
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board has asked for a £611 contribution per dwelling, which amounts to £194,909.
A council spokesperson was asked why the application has surpassed the target date for a decision.