An extra 17 health centres and 25 GP practices could be up and running across the West Midlands next year as part of a £30 million cash injection.
The money is being used to tackle low numbers of GPs with many of the new facilities earmarked for the Black Country, which is one of the most under-doctored places in the country. Wolverhampton and Sandwell are each set to receive three GP practices and a health centre while Dudley and Walsall could get up to three new GPs.
Decisions are still to be taken by primary care trusts for each area. The trusts, which provide health services, will decide what form the facilities will take and where they will go.
But it is hoped they could be ready to welcome patients by 2009.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced the plans to tackle family doctor provision in December.
Across the country, £250 million is being invested into increasing doctor numbers in areas with the fewest GPs.
A total of 38 primary care trusts where there are low numbers of doctors were picked to benefit from the scheme and as well as the Black Country areas, Birmingham South East and North, Heart of Birmingham Teaching, Stoke on Trent, Telford and Wrekin and Coventry will also get new facilities.
Norma Harvey, from NHS West Midlands said: “It is all about improving the provision of doctors, improving access and what is provided at doctors’ surgeries.”
In Wolverhampton the facilities will be in addition to a £90 million cash injection for 12 new health service developments planned to open across the city in the next few years.
Jon Crockett, chief executive of Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust, said: “We are currently working on plans for three additional GP practices and one GP-led health centre.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to help redress deprivation in the city through equitable access to GPs and healthcare facilities.”
3 Comments
too little too late.i live in an area which has seen a massive increase in new builds, ergo an increase in its population, unfortunately, to my knowledge, there has been no increase in funding for services, such as more GPs and additional schools …just longer waiting times to see a GP and difficulty in obtaining a school place.
And not to mention housing fit for human habitation!!
Perhaps more competent doctors would be a good addition.