Photo caption: Alan Mak MP with Lord Prior discuss Emsworth Surgery in Westminster
The Government Minister who looks after NHS buildings has said plans for a new £4.4million Emsworth Surgery is on his radar, following talks held with Havant MP Alan Mak.
Mr Mak has been lobbying Lord Prior, the Health Minister with responsibility for NHS Property Services, over plans to build an expanded clinic at the old Victoria Cottage Hospital site.
The planned new surgery has been backed by Mr Mak, who convened a successful meeting between doctors, councillors and NHS bosses in July.
It comes after a decade of deadlock on the project, with Mr Mak working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure funding since his election in May 2015. He now hopes a solution can be found soon.
During a meeting with Lord Prior in Westminster, Mr Mak was assured the project was firmly on the Department of Health’s agenda. He will meet Lord Prior again in October to review progress.
A capital funding bid of £4.4million has been submitted and the project has been prioritised by the South Eastern Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
Mr Mak said: “I’m working hard to get the Emsworth Surgery move back on track, both locally and in Westminster. I secured a meeting with Health Minister Lord Prior, and I’m delighted he’s listening to Emsworth residents and has taken such an interest in the project. After being elected I made sure this was one of my top priorities and I have been lobbying government ministers hard to make sure that construction can begin as soon as possible.”
“However, much work is needed to be done and although very positive signs have been emerging in recent weeks I will continue my efforts until the funds are secured.”
The surgery need to agree with NHS Property Services - the body that manages land and buildings for the health service - rents and service charge levels to cover services such as building maintenance, cleaning and security.
Lord Prior said: “Alan Mak is a strong voice for Emsworth and his constituency in Westminster. I can assure local residents that the Department of Health has this project for a new Emsworth Surgery building firmly on its radar and I'll continue working with Alan as the project progresses.”
The green light has already been given to draw an outline design with a feasibility study for the wider site due to be completed by the end of the month. The building will be made “future proof” to cope with Emsworth’s expanding population.
Lisa Medway, from the South Eastern Hampshire CCG, said: “I am pleased that Lord Prior has this development on his agenda. The CCG is working hard to support the Emsworth Practice to build a new Surgery and progress continues to be made. I want to thank Alan for the work he is putting in lobbying central government.”