The Board of Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust has backed plans for the future of locally-based healthcare in Lynton.
Members endorsed a plan to sell the Victorian resource centre and adjoining health centre to another provider, and then to rent back space in modernised buildings.
The aim is to sustain the close collaboration between Trust and the practice, Dr John Frankish and Partners, but in premises that are fit for 21st century healthcare.
Currently there is a maintenance backlog of around £675,000 on the 140-year-old resource centre and the 40-year-old health centre, which are both owned by the Trust. Neither are fit for purpose without major refurbishment.
Other healthcare providers, including the practice, have now been offered the buildings as ‘preferred bidders’. The aim is to secure investment that will provide modern space both for the practice itself and for the Trust, including:
- The Minor Injury Unit (MIU)
- A nursing office
- A multi-function treatment room, if possible
Three other options have been considered:
- Doing nothing – but the buildings are not fit for purpose and maintenance would still be needed to keep it safe
- Renting accommodation with the practice elsewhere in Lynton – but there is little sign of suitable property locally and, even if found, the costs of upgrading for healthcare might be considerable
- Carrying out the backlog maintenance and modernising the ground floor of the resource centre – but backlog maintenance would still be needed, the Trust doesn’t have the capital for the modernisation and there would still be unusable space
The Trust has been working closely with Dr Frankish and Partners to make sure the best solution is arrived at for local people. Both are committed to continuing their fruitful partnership, with staff working alongside each other.
The approach is also in line with the strategic plans of NHS Devon for ensuring that care is provided close to home.
Northern Devon Healthcare’s Director of Operations, Jo Gibbs, said: “We can’t go on with these old buildings, which aren’t any good for patients or staff. If we can reach agreement on selling up, then renting back modernised premises, we’ll be able to provide care for the people of Lynton alongside our practice colleagues and in settings that are fit for the future.”
