Go-ahead for new primary care centre in Essex
Business case for medical centre in Stansted Mountfitch is approved
A new health centre is to be built in Stansted Mountfitchet providing the local community with a modern state-of-the-art facility in which to access a range of health services.
The project, which is being managed by NHS Property Services, will see a new primary care centre developed, providing GP services, a range of community services and potentially an NHS dental practice.
The go-ahead for the long-awaited centre was given this month after agreement was reached on the business case by NHS commissioners, West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS England, NHS Property Services and Dr Christopher Leeman and Dr Sue Humphrey, GPs at the existing Stansted Surgery.
We are very pleased that the long-awaited business case for this scheme has been approved by the commissioners, which will lead to a new fit-for-purpose healthcare facility for Stansted and Uttlesford
Martin Royal, regional director of NHS Property Services, said: “We are very pleased that the long-awaited business case for this scheme has been approved by the commissioners, which will lead to a new fit-for-purpose healthcare facility for Stansted and Uttlesford. NHS Property Services will now work with the local health economy to formalise the occupancy agreement.”
In a statement, Dr Christopher Leeman and Dr Sue Humphrey, added: "This is excellent news for patients as the existing premises are no longer suitable for the delivery of 21st-century healthcare. The new, modern Stansted Primary Care Centre will have good disabled access and will offer a much better environment for patients and staff. There are excellent public transport links and ample car parking adjacent to the building. It will enable us to offer a much-improved service to our patients.”
The centre will be built on the former Castle Lotus Garage site off Chapel Road and close to the railway station in Stansted by developers, Hilton Properties. Planning permission has been granted, internal plans have been produced and draft heads of terms agreed. Now that approval has been given for the final business case, the project can move on to the next phase, with construction likely to start in the next few months.
A spokesperson for Hilton Properties said: “We are delighted to announce that following a robust and sincere negotiation process we are building a state-of-the art medical centre for Stansted Mountfitchet. We are proud to have worked with the NHS to have made this agreement. Ground will be broken as soon as possible and we are aiming for completion during autumn 2015.”
Dawn Scrafield, director of finance at NHS England, added: "Population growth in Stansted and the surrounding area has risen and continues to rise. The practice’s population has increased from 5956 in 2001 to 8871 in 2013. This is an increase of almost 49%, yet the practice continues to operate within the same premises. We recognise that this development is a priority as it is essential for meeting the health needs of residents in and around Stansted.”
