Fenland surgery could soon move back into health centre as NHS opens discussions with building’s owners
THE ongoing saga over a village GP surgery which has moved into temporary accommodation could draw to a close soon, it emerged last night.
The Terrington St John practice moved out of the village’s health centre after its new owners were unable to agree a deal with the outgoing partners.
This meant Peterborough-based primary care group First Health had to move doctors, nurses and receptionists into the village’s Scout hut before moving into portable buildings in the village.
However, NHS Norfolk confirmed last night it had started discussions with the building’s owners, who have already refused an offer of around �475,000.
Nikki Cocks, NHS Norfolk’s director of independent contracts and providers, said: “We have reopened negotiations with the owners of the purpose-built premises in Terrington St John and these are progressing.
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“It is too early to predict an outcome but the initial meeting was positive and a second meeting is being arranged to consider options in more detail.”
The announcement comes after West Norfolk Council revealed it could make a compulsory purchase order of the health centre.
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This would see the building valued independently and the owners receive that price from the council, which would then sell it to First Health.
It also follows on from South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss writing a letter to health minister Simon Burns asking him to intervene and bring an end to the “unacceptable” situation.
The Conservative MP decided to step in after the people of Terrington St John and other villages told her of their astonishment that this situation has been allowed to continue.
The temporary 250sq ft surgery is situated opposite the village scout hut and has six clinical rooms, a large waiting area, disabled toilets and storage facilities.
Current opening times are 9am-5pm, with the last GP appointment at 4.30pm.
To contact the surgery call 01945 880471 or 01553 828884.
