New centre in Whitchurch could house health services
A site in Whitchurch could be transformed into a new community centre, containing healthcare services and housing.
The Wrekin Housing Trust has confirmed it is currently exploring the options regarding the potential redevelopment of the Paul’s Moss site.
The site currently has a mixture of flats and accommodation for elderly people which officials said is in “desperate need” of refurbishment.
The plans for the site include an innovative scheme that would incorporate specialist living accommodation for older people, community space and modern healthcare services all on one site.
It is not yet known if these plans would include a new ‘super’ doctor’s surgery for the town.
A total of £1 million has already been raised for the surgery which will replace the temporary one currently operating from Beech Ward at Whitchurch Community Hospital. The temporary surgery took on 4,000 patients from the Richmond House practice, which controversially closed last year.
The new super surgery would also see patients from the town’s two other surgeries – Dodington and Bridgwater – moved there. Peter James, who is part of a group working on the new surgery, said they were around a third of the way to finding the funding for the new surgery.
The uncertainty over where the patients would end up after Richmond House surgery closed had been criticised by patients, who complained they were being kept in the dark about the future of GP services.
The housing trust is currently working with partners and stakeholders including the Whitchurch GP practices, Shropshire CCG, Shropshire Council and NHS England on the potential opportunity to deliver joined up services at Paul’s Moss that officials said would benefit the whole community.
Beverley Ashton, head of marketing and business research at The Wrekin Housing Trust, said: “Paul’s Moss currently has a mixture of flats and accommodation for elderly people.
“It is in desperate needs of refurbishment to bring it up to date and more modern.
“The trust met with residents and service users this week to gather their views.” on the redevelopment, prior to discussing the idea with the wider community.
“Further announcements on progress on the potential redevelopment will be made as discussions with all relevant parties continue.
“Any proposals will of course be dependent on relevant planning permissions being obtained.”
