Lewes MP welcomes progress on new Seaford health centre: ‘a real step in the right direction’

Lewes District Council (LDC) confirmed on Thursday, October 15, that the council and NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) are working together to develop a new Neighbourhood Health Centre for the area’s residents.

LDC said initial funding has been agreed, and said the council and NHS partners are supporting the next phase of the project and the development of a more detailed business case.

Responding to the news, Liberal Democrat MP James MacCleary said: “This is a real step in the right direction but there is still a very long way to go.

“For too long residents in Seaford were given false hopes that a new health facility was just around the corner. In reality these things take time and need a serious approach so I have spent the last two years working with NHS Sussex and the District Council to build a package to deliver the new health facilities that our town desperately needs.

“When I was elected there was not even agreement on a site for a health hub but I have always maintained that redeveloping the Seaford Medical Practice site on Dane Road was the only option that made sense so it is great to see that we now have focus on the right site.”

He said the announcement ‘brings us one step closer to making this vision a reality’.

Mr MacCleary continued: “I am delighted that we will now be moving forward with the detailed planning needed to deliver a first-class health centre for our community.

“This won’t happen overnight but it is the first serious progress we have had after decades of empty promises. Seaford has been ignored for too long and I will continue working with all partners to ensure we maintain this momentum and secure the investment needed to deliver the high-quality, accessible healthcare facilities that Seaford residents deserve.”

LDC said the detailed feasibility work in the project’s next phase is set to explore the potential of land, including the Richmond Road car park site.