The city’s only practice, Latham House Medical Practice on Sage Cross Street, serves over 36,000 people and there is real concern that it will not be able to cope with thousands of new homes planned locally over the next 20 years.
And this morning, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (ICB) announced that it has formally committed to working with Melton City Council to explore the possibility of a second GP surgery.
The ICB’s Andy Williams said: “Following the ICB’s decision, the business case and full financial model for the second GP practice at Melton Mowbray will be developed.
“We look forward to working with council colleagues as we develop options for more GP services, which we know are important to local people as the main point of contact for healthcare and integral to creating healthy communities.
“We hope that both organizations will have the opportunity to review a draft business case and consider viable options in the spring of 2023, to have further conversations with local people about what matters most to them and inform final decisions.”
The city council, which has campaigned in favor of a second intervention of the family doctor, has recently raised the possibility of developing a health and leisure park in the municipality, consolidating new leisure facilities and a new primary care center in the same solar.
He says this would offer good value for money through shared development costs and increased patient access to health and related leisure and wellness services.
While full costs are still being developed and the funding mechanism is not yet in place, the ICB’s decision, informed by public input, will allow for more effective strategic planning with details of the developing business case both organizations will consider in the spring. of 2023. .
Council Leader Councilor Joe Orson said: “The ICB’s formal commitment is fantastic news for Melton and brings us one step closer to a much-needed new GP surgery for our community.
“There is still a long way to go, but we are delighted to be able to collaborate with our partners at the ICB and our MP, to examine how we can realistically meet our shared aspirations.
“Raising funds to make the required investment will not be easy, but we will leave no stone unturned and the ICB’s commitment allows us to strategically plan together as we go.”
Melton MP Alicia Kearns has pledged to provide the extra practice for the city and warmly welcomed today’s news.
“When I stood for election, I promised to secure a second GP practice for our city and surrounding villages,” he said.
“I’m glad we’ve now gotten the go-ahead to build one – our fight and my arguments with the NHS have been successful.
“We are on the path to the healthcare that Melton residents need and deserve.
“There is still a way to go but this is the news our city has been waiting for and Joe and I have promised to deliver and I look forward to continuing to work with Melton City Council and the ICB.”
