Patients’ health could be put at risk in Ellesmere if the proposed new medical practice is scrapped – after hospital trust bosses revealed money has yet to be set aside for the scheme.
The claim has been made by former mayor Brian Knight after it emerged that the £3 million scheme, which received outline planning permission last year, has still not been earmarked for funding by the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust.
The surgery is planned for the Wharf development site, but fears have been raised about the project following a decision announced this month to phase out all 152 PCTs nationwide.
The current centre is said to have problems with parking and patient numbers which have swelled in recent years.
Bosses said the development is still top of a priority waiting list but that it was not included in the current programme of new surgery developments where funding is approved.
Councillor Knight said: “We desperately need a new medical practice in Ellesmere. There are problems with parking and more and more people are using the current one, so it really is most important that it’s replaced.
“I appreciate the money situation at the moment but I really do hope the money is allocated as soon as possible and work is started.
“It’s not a case of wanting it – we need it and it would be putting people’s health in jeopardy if funding wasn’t made available.
“I realise it’s not going to happen tomorrow, but we’ve waited and waited for this development so now it really is a case of the sooner the better.”
Deputy Mayor Ian Ward said: “I think it’s very concerning that we’re going through these times of change and many projects seem to be at risk. This uncertainty leaves a big black hole really for Ellesmere and it’s a disappointing position to be in.”
Daryl Seivewright, Primary Care estates manager, said: “The PCT has a programme of new surgery developments where business cases are either approved for funding or are due to be submitted to the PCT.
“Ellesmere Practice is not within this current programme, but is currently top of the priority list awaiting PCT approval to proceed to business case.“We are unable to give the go-ahead for Ellesmere practice to press ahead with their business case until funding is earmarked, and there has been no change in the PCT position with this regard.”
By David Seadon