DEVELOPERS have submitted proposals to build a new super GP surgery in Hereford.
The proposed Hereford Medical Centre would be built on more than an acre of land close to the railway station, just off the new Hereford City Link Road.
And the new building would house the Greyfriars, Moorfield House, Aylestone Hill, Sarum House and King Street GP surgeries, if approved by Herefordshire Council planners.
The building would have 32,184 sq. ft of floor space, an ambulance bay, 92 parking places and 14 cycle stands.
Architects working on the scheme say it would provide a health centre that would better cater for the needs of local patients.
Abz Randera, agent working on behalf of Hereford Medical Group, said: “Hereford City GP practices currently operate out of 12 buildings across Hereford.
“It has been acknowledged that this in an inefficient way of delivering key primary care services to the public from a social, economic and environmental perspective.
“In addition, several of the buildings the practices currently operate from are outdated and do not deliver on the basic facilities that are required by those visiting their GPs. He also said the proposals would provide a modern, high quality and accessible medical hub.
Ceri Chaplin, Hereford Medical Group Business Manager, said GPs were facing pressures to provide services nationally and struggling to provide services under increasing demand and reducing availability of staff.
He said: “The formation of Hereford Medical Group, from the five established city centre practices, will ensure that we are able to continue to provide high quality healthcare in these difficult times.
“The partners and staff of each of the merging practices are excited about the new organisation and looking forward to continuing to provide care to the patients at our practices.”
Public consultation events were held in Hereford at Shirehall and Town Hall in December and March.
The developers took onboard the feedback before submitting their plans to Herefordshire Council.
The responses from residents were largely positive, and many said that a facility of this kind was much needed in the city.
One respondent said: “The proposed new building looks sleek and contemporary.
“It’s what I would expect a new purpose built medical centre to look like.
“I think it will also be in keeping with further new development in the area.”
Another said the events were very informative and the proposals would be a great improvement on the current facilities. County planners are expected to make a decision on the plans by August 10.
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