Wickford to get mini-hospital?

3:47pm Thursday 31st January 2008

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WICKFORD could get its own multi-million pound mini-hospital offering minor surgery, outpatient treatment and GP facilities under a single roof.

Health bosses want to centralise healthcare in the town and increase the number of GPs.

South West Essex Primary Care Trust says Wickford doctors are facing a crisis, with temporary buildings currently needed to provide extra accommodation at the London Road surgery and the present health centre, in Market Avenue.

They believe the answer is a high-tech mini-hospital, housing some services Basildon Hospital provides now.

Marc Davis, commissioning director of the trust, said: "Health provision in Wickford faces immense pressure and we aim to get the development on line as soon as possible.

"The health centre and London Road surgery are tired and do not have the capacity we need."

The new centre could form part of a big new community development in Market Avenue, including a new swimming pool and library.

However, the trust has yet to decide if it would prefer this or a standalone site.

The clinic could offer:

• At least 20 GP consulting rooms

• Facilities for outpatient services now at Basildon Hospital, such as ear, nose and throat care, dermatology, gynaecology, eyecare and ultrasound

• Minor operations treatment for asthma, heart disease and diabetes

• Physiotherapy and minor injury clinics

• A pharmacy, community nursing and social services offices and dental surgeries.

GPs at existing local surgeries are said to be interested in moving to a new centre.

Basildon Council leader Malcolm Buckley favours incorporating the centre within a new swimming pool and library complex.

He said: "We would like to see a greater range of services and a significant increase in the number of GPs to cater for population growth under the masterplan."

He said the council had suggested several council-owned sites in Wickford as possible locations for the clinic, but the trust has so far not indicated a preference.