Plans for new premises for Seaford GP abandoned
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The decision comes after extensive discussions and the submission of a business case, revealing that the rising costs of proposed building work outweigh the available funding.
The Shore pub was acquired in December 2022 by the partners of Old School Surgery with the aim of addressing the pressing need for health space in Seaford.
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Hide AdDr Joe Ljevar, on behalf of the partners at Old School Surgery, said: “NHS Sussex remain committed to finding a long term solution to create more space and update healthcare facilities for the population of Seaford. We want to thank you all for your support. We also would like to thank the team who work tirelessly to provide excellent care for our patients. We remain dedicated to working with NHS Sussex and our neighbouring practice, Seaford Medical Practice, in order to establish the long term Seaford plan.”
Cllr Carolyn Lambert, County Councillor for Seaford South, said: “The responsibility lies with the NHS and the government to ensure adequate funding and support for healthcare provision in Seaford. Our local MP, Maria Caulfield, who serves as a health minister, needs to step up and deliver for the people of Seaford.
“Under Liberal Democrat leadership, Lewes District Council repeatedly offered the use of the Richmond Road car park as a site for the much needed expansion of accommodation for healthcare staff. I hope that the Green/Labour alliance will work with us to continue to push for this as the best solution for the town. Liberal Democrats share in the disappointment felt by the community as this setback again impacts the improvement of healthcare services in Seaford.”
Cllr Christine Brett, Seaford South District Councillor, said: “This country is littered with short term decisions. This is yet another example where we need this time to sort out the infrastructure and take a long term decision for our town. NHS staff shouldn’t have to work in cupboards, and it is no surprise we have a lack of NHS staff. The lack of local space for vaccines is another example of the sheer lack of local space. The NHS is under huge pressure, across the country, and Seaford despite being the largest town in the district is always the bottom of the list.
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Hide Ad“It is disheartening to learn that the plans to transform The Shore pub into a healthcare facility have been deemed unviable. We understand the frustration of the community and share their concerns about the impact on patient access and the strain on existing facilities. It is crucial that the NHS swiftly finds a resolution to address the pressing healthcare needs in Seaford."
Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, said: “The Shore bar needed funding to renovate the building and we had got government funding too for part of this and the GPs also put money in for their part but we also needed the Community Infrastructure Levy funding from the District Council which was refused before the local elections when the Liberal Democrats were in control of the Council. Community infrastructure funding is money given by developers who build in the town to contribute to the towns infrastructure so this would be an ideal project but the District Council said no and so the project has now fallen.
“This is very disappointing as it is the second time the former Lib Dem administration have let down the GPs of Seaford when they pulled out of the medical hub at the Downs leisure centre. There is a plan B and we will be working at pace to deliver this for residents in Seaford.”
According to a LDC spokesperson, despite what the MP has said, “Lewes District Council did not receive an application for Community Infrastructure Levy funding.”