Halesowen GP surgery 'needs £150,000' to cope with demand from new development
Health bosses have raised concerns over the influx of hundreds of extra patients after proposals were submitted for a new housing development near Halesowen.
Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group say Halesowen Medical Centre is already “operating at capacity and does not have sufficient space to accommodate the increase in population”.
Bosses have now asked for £150,000 to expand the medical centre to cope with demand if plans for more than 100 homes on the former Blue Bird Factory site, between Romsley and Hunnington south of Halesowen, are given the green light.
The proposals by Seven Homes, which have been submitted to Bromsgrove Council, include 94 new residential units and 22 homes delivered by converting an existing building on the site.
A report, submitted in response to the application, by Dudley CCG says that there could be between 300 to 450 patients fighting for GP services in the area.
Capacity
Philip Cowley, senior finance manager, primary care and estates at Dudley CCG, said: "Halesowen Medical Practice, the practice identified as being the most likely to take on the new registrants, has indicated to Dudley CCG that it is currently operating at capacity and does not have sufficient space to accommodate the increase in population that will result from the development.
"Based upon the calculations outlined, and the results of a survey of physical capacity within the practices likely to be most affected by the proposed development, it is the view of Dudley CCG there is currently insufficient physical capacity within primary care facilities within those practices most likely to register the residents of the development to accommodate the increase in their patient population that will this will result in.
"Taking into account the factors outlined it is the view of Dudley CCG that, in order to accommodate the additional population resulting from the development without any detriment to existing services, it will be necessary to provide at least one additional clinical room within Halesowen.
"There is currently no NHS capital funding available to be allocated to support the delivery this additional facility, and the CCG seeks a contribution from the developer to meet these costs.
"In order to fully mitigate the effect of the proposed development upon primary care provision, and ensure sufficient physical capacity within the affected area, Dudley CCG therefore seeks a developer contribution of £150,000 to required premises expansion.
"The CCG would welcome the opportunity to supplement this submission by way of further engagement with the developer of this scheme and the Development Control team in respect of the proposed development."
A Seven Homes spokesman said: “We are aware of the concerns and subsequent request from Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group and we look forward to constructive discussions with Bromsgrove District Council regarding this matter.”
