9:20am Saturday 31st July 2010
A NEW health centre in Shoebury could be open by 2012, it has been revealed.
The centre, which would replace the run-down clinic in Campfield Road, is likely to include a GP surgery, dental clinic and a pharmacy.
It was feared the £1.19million facility would not go ahead because of cuts and a Govern-ment proposal to scrap primary care trusts.
A spokesman said yesterday: “We are currently working on a business case for the development of Shoebury primary care centre.
“Our current plans are for the centre to be open by December 2012 or early 2013.”
The centre will still require planning permission, and must get final approval from board members at NHS South East Essex. Shoebury independent councillor Michael Assenheim, said: “I think it is an important development to supplement the fact more people are moving to Shoebury.
“It will stop people having to go to Southend Hospital for smaller things, such as blood tests.
“I think it needs to be built before the money for it disappears.”
However, Tory councillor Tony Cox, representing West Shoebury ward, said the building wasn’t justified in relation to recent funding cuts.
Mr Cox said: “I have never supported this development and I do not believe any business case can be justified in the current economic climate.
“I think it will be a white elephant.”
Laurie Gaymer, secretary for the Shoebury Village Residents’ Association, who lives in the High Street, said: “There will be some issues surrounding this from residents I am sure, but I think a lot of people will want to know about travel and parking facilities for it.
“There will be some residents who will object to it, but the clinic in Shoebury is no longer fit for purpose.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/trade_directory/