Agenda item

Purpose: Eastfield House Surgery have been invited to present a report on their proposed relocation to a new purpose-build GP practice on land south of Newbury College.

Dr Emma Featherstone (GP Partner) provided a short overview of the report on the proposed relocation of Eastfield House Surgery to a new purpose-built GP practice on land south of Newbury College. Dr Mark Galliver (GP Partner) and Liz Pope (Practice Manager) were also in attendance to answer questions.

During Dr Emma Featherstone’s presentation, it was highlighted that the current building was fully utilised. The lack of space meant that facilities were limited for both patients and for staff. It made it challenging to retain and recruit staff, and they were unable to recruit additional clinical staff. Patients often needed to stand whilst waiting for appointments and there was one disabled parking spaced.

During the discussion it was agreed by Members that the current building was no longer fit for purpose as it had been outgrown. Members had visited the surgery and seen how well the practice had adapted to and utilised the limited space whilst maintaining patient services. Members agreed that a move was necessary.  

It was noted that a key concern was how patients would travel to the proposed new facility in Sandleford and especially patients who did not drive or have access to a car. Dr Featherstone advised that as the new facility was part of a larger development including other facilities, that public transport links would be available. It was advised that most patients currently drove to Eastfield House and so the ample parking available at the new facility would benefit patients. This was discussed in more detail as it was highlighted that many patients currently walked and would be disadvantaged by this move. In addition, the timing of any new development may leave patients without the necessary transport links to attend. It was also noted that patients currently living near to the proposed new facility had Falkland surgery nearby. The focus needed to be on the impact of people living near to the town centre who would be disadvantaged by the move.

Dr Featherstone advised that people who currently walked did so because they could not drive due to limited parking available. It was highlighted that there was no available land in the town centre to develop and so there was no option but for the practice to move out of town. The climate impact was noted during the discussion of more vehicles needing to travel to the new surgery. It was confirmed that the Eastfield House surgery catchment area was Newbury south of the canal and out to the racecourse, Burghclere, Enborne and Wash Water. There was a volunteer service that could help with transport and the GP surgery provided a home visiting service for patients who were house bound.  It was reiterated that the key concern was around the location of the new surgery and providing sustainable travel for patients from the town centre. Dr Featherstone noted this and advised they would consider this further. This could include working with West Berkshire Council and Greenham Trust.

It was confirmed that the surgery was continuing to consult with patients through their website and in the Practice. It was advised that patients were very positive about the move and recognised the current constraints.

The Committee were advised there were no data security concerns to be considered as part of the move. Data was cloud based and securely managed by the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

It was asked whether the relocation provided an opportunity for the new surgery to be a wellness centre. It was advised that conversations with colleagues such as health visiting, midwifery and physiotherapy had taken place but had not progressed yet. It was advised that ten years growth had been factored into the new location and that the site allowed for expansion beyond that.

It was asked whether two sites had been considered, suggesting the opportunity to provide a wellness centre at the town centre location including outreach services. It was confirmed that two sites were not financially viable for the GP surgery and was also not practical to provide the holistic care that surgeries provided now such as pharmacist services, paramedics, advanced practitioner nursing etc. It was highlighted that the surgery currently worked with other surgeries and carried out health checks in the community at sites such as in libraries. They also carried out events in the community such as one hosted by the Royal British Legion for patients with chronic pain and fibromyalgia.

It was advised that the surgery had worked closely with the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) regarding the proposed relocation. If planning permission was granted, the next step would be to put their Outline Business Case to the Integrated Care Board. It was confirmed by the BOB ICB that at that stage they would review if any further consultation was needed.

Action: The Health Scrutiny Committee be kept updated as this progresses.

Resolved to note the report.