Exclusive by EMMA KASPRZAK
Wem’s medical practice is set to be transformed into a one-stop shop for residents including a health clinic after bosses received backing for their plans from the PCT.
The plans will see a new health centre in Wem which will jointly house Wem Medical Practice and the services currently provided by Wem Health Clinic.
The plans have also incorporated space for other local health care providers to move into the new centre, and have been approved in principal by bosses at Shropshire County PCT.
Practice managers have written to other health providers in the town asking them if they wish to relocate to the new premises. The work will be carried out by developers Primary Asset Ltd.
It’s a major boost for town residents who have been waiting for 10 years for the scheme to get off the ground. It will also benefit residents in Prees who use the Walford House practice in the village.
Bob Clarke, practice manager, said the plans for expansion had been suggested 10 years ago, but were put on hold after a change to funding rules.
Mr Clarke said: “We believe that the people of Wem and the surrounding area deserve the best standard of health care, both in terms of the care provided and in the standard and type of building those services are provided from.”
He added that in April this year the practice moved up the ladder and became one of seven surgeries Shropshire PCT considered as eligible for funding.
“We are hoping to keep the old building and build a new one on the land.
“We’d like to house pharmacists, dentists, physiotherapists and opticians so that residents have access to a range of services.
“We also want to take on more medical students and GPs to train.”
Mr Clarke added that the new building would have disabled access.
The next stage will see practice bosses meeting with the PCT to produce a business plan.
Mr Clarke said that no cost estimates were available for the project at the moment but building should start in May next year with the aim to complete the centre by summer 2010.
For more information contact the practice on 01939 232424.
