Initial funding agreed for Neighbourhood Health Centre in Seaford: council leader welcomes ‘best possible news’ for residents
Lewes District Council (LDC) and NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) have confirmed they are working together to develop a new Neighbourhood Health Centre for Seaford residents.
LDC said this builds on the council’s announcement from earlier this year that partners support a new centre in the town.
The council said that it and NHS partners are supporting the next phase of the project and the development of ‘a more detailed business case’.
LDC said the work will focus on assessing the potential of land, which includes the council-owned Richmond Road car park.
Leader of Lewes District Council Zoe Nicholson said: “This is the best news possible for residents in Seaford who have waited patiently for the new and modern healthcare facilities that will make such a positive difference to their lives. Initial funding will allow the detailed feasibility work and due diligence to be completed in advance of a new health centre being developed.
“We recently completed and opened the stunning Newhaven Health Hub, and I have no doubt we can do the same in Seaford.
“The Wellbeing Square project in Newhaven demonstrated our ability for working collaboratively with NHS partners to deliver complex, integrated health and wellbeing facilities, and no doubt provides confidence in our ability to act as a trusted delivery partner for Seaford.”
LDC’s Cabinet is set to consider the outcomes of a feasibility study later this year. The council said the aim of this study is to provide the information needed to support consideration of future funding through national processes.
Amy Galea, Chief Commissioning Officer (Neighbourhood Health and Partnerships), NHS Surrey & Sussex, said: “This is an exciting step forward for Seaford and reflects our shared ambition to bring more care and support closer to people's homes through neighbourhood health services. Neighbourhood Health Centres have the potential to bring together a range of health, care and wellbeing services in one place, making it easier for residents to access joined-up support and helping people stay well for longer.
“Working in partnership with Lewes District Council and local organisations, we want to create modern facilities that support the changing needs of the community and enable more integrated, preventative and person-centred care. The feasibility work will help us understand how this opportunity can best support local people now and in the future.”
LDC said it will share more information as the project develops.