Eastfield GP surgery plans move to new site

The case for moving Eastfield House GP surgery to a new location gets put to the council this week.

A survey of patients shows 86 per cent of them support the move to a new, purpose-built site near to Newbury College.

They mostly want better access, better opening hours, a community pharmacy and diagnostic services.

The current site is bursting at the seams, according to the three GPs stating their case.

Eastfield House Surgery was built 33 years ago to cater for a maximum of 8,000 registered patients and now its patient list size is just over 15,500.

The current practice size is too small when assessed against NHS space use allowances, and is predicted to get even more pressed for size in the next decade.

“Our current practice has significant limitations that hinder its ability to meet patient demand and provide modern efficient healthcare services,” say the GPs.

“The existing practice was extended in 2012 by a further three consulting rooms and two temporary cabins were installed in the surgery car park in May 2023 for a two-year period.

“However, the practice is still significantly undersized and is limited in consultation rooms, administrative space, patient waiting area, car parking and basic facilities such as staff/meeting room and bathroom facilities.”

They say a purpose-built facility would allow for the integration of modern healthcare technology, increased capacity for consultation rooms, and additional services such as mental health support, physiotherapy, and wellness programmes.

“Although relocating would involve initial costs, a purpose-built facility offers long-term savings through improved energy efficiency, lower maintenance needs, and optimised workflows,” the GPs add. “Further upgrades or extensions to our current site are not possible.”

They say 17 different sites had been considered for the move, before settling on the site near the college.

The ICB (integrated care board) agreed to contribute £40,000 towards the cost of the planning application, which was paid to Greenham Trust in November 2023. Greenham Trust has also invested £150,000 towards planning costs for the new site.

The main area of concern from patients is transport links to the new site and they point to the fact that planning has been approved for the Sandleford development and Mayfield Point, with planned transport links.

The Health Scrutiny Committee meets today (Tuesday).