Sidley surgey plans revealed

The proposed new two-storey building would occupy the same site as the current Turkey Road surgery of Dr Lawton and Partners, together with part of the grounds of adjoining Sidley House, purchased from Rother council.

The new scheme would offer a greatly improved environment and facilities for both patients and staff.

The proposed new surgery would have an internal floor area of about 1,000 squiare metres - almost three times the size of the current surgery.

Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust said this week: "The increase in size would mean a wider range of services available for the 15,500 patients currently registered at the practice, including minor surgery, chronic disease management and sexual health clinics.

"It is also planned that there would be a pharmacy in the building, meaning patients would be able to get their healthcare and medication under the one roof.

"Plans for a new surgery in Sidley were first discussed in 2003, with outline planning permission granted in 2004.

"The current surgery was built in 1984 and at the time, was deemed to be modern and spacious. However, the number of new homes in the area together with changes to the way modern healthcare is provided have meant the surgery is now cramped, and it also does not comply with disabled access regulations."

Development of the new surgery would be undertaken by Carisbrooke Medical Centres, a local specialist developer which owns the current surgery building.

Maurice Brocklesby, Carisbrooke's Managing Director, applauds "the way in which the District Council, Primary Care Trust and Practice have co-operated to make this badly needed local healthcare scheme a reality."

If planning permission is granted, the playground adjoining the surgery will be improved with new play equipment provided. The surgery would operate from temporary accommodation on the adjoining Sidley House site during the building process.

Simon Lawrence, Interim director of primary care for the PCT, said: "Improving facilities at Sidley Surgery is a priority for the PCT, and although it has taken us some time to get to this point, it's excellent news that plans are moving forward and the application for planning permission has been submitted."

Andrew Thomas-Pam, business partner and practice manager for Dr Lawton and Partners, said: "Quite simply, the Sidley Surgery is currently bursting at the seams, and for most of us within general practice the opportunity to secure a new purpose built modern facility is a once in a generation experience. This contemporary surgery with attached pharmacy affords the Practice scope within which to enhance healthcare services and better serve the future needs of our patients."

Sidley Community Association chairman John Izzzard said: "We've been working in partnership with the PCT, the developer and the practice to progress this scheme and are delighted that the planning application has now been submitted. We fully support the plans for the proposed new surgery, which if approved, will result in a fantastic new healthcare facility for the people of Sidley."

Association chief executive Margaret Lea said: "Sidley Community Association has agreed to hold a public meeting of Sidley Voice at the Community Centre to present the scheme to local residents and answer any questions they may have, and we will publicise details of this once it's been arranged."