A PROPOSAL for a new health centre in Lydney to replace two current surgeries is expected to go before health chiefs for approval this summer.
If the plans get the go-ahead, work on the site of the former Co-op building in Newerne Street will start early next year with the surgery open in 2026.
GPs are working with a specialist company, Assura, on the redevelopment.
A spokeswoman for NHS Gloucestershire said: “The NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has identified the development of primary care facilities in Lydney as a key priority.
“Severnbank Surgery and Lydney Health Centre have been taking forward a business case with a third party developer – who would fund the development and lease the building to the practices – to co-locate both practices at the former Co-op site in Lydney town centre to provide a range of GP and other local services for around 15,000 patients, with expansion space for a further 4,000 patients if needed, in the future.
“Over recent months, the ICB has been working closely with the practices’ third party developer, the District Valuation Service, key stakeholders, and other partner organisations within the One Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (ICS) to try and find a way through to deliver a viable, high quality and value for money scheme.
The practices are now in a position to finalise the outstanding business case and submit to the ICB for formal consideration at the Primary Care and Direct Commissioning Committee (PCDC).
“It is anticipated the business case will be submitted no later than early April 2024.
Due to committee dates, it will be formally considered at the PCDC on June 6.
“Subject to final approval being granted in June, the developer’s current plan is that building work will commence in the early part of 2025 with the building open the following year.
Ashley Seymour, development director at Assura said: “The development in Lydney is a key priority for the local ICB and it is great to see progress on the business case for this much needed primary care centre.”