5,000 Walsall patients could be relocated under new GP plans for one neighbourhood

Over 5,000 GP patients in Palfrey could be relocated to the Saddlers Centre under latest health proposals in Walsall.

The NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) has decided the Palfrey Health Centre building is "not up to standard".

The practice at 151 Wednesbury Road shares premises with the Ambar Medical Centre.

Pip Mayo, a director at the ICB, said the group’s estates team ‘identified issues’ with the building’s ‘physical standards’ in the latest assessment.

As a result, the ICB is now evaluating the relocation of Palfrey Medical Centre to a unit in the Saddlers Centre, less than one mile away.

In the proposals, Ambar Medical Centre would remain at the Wednesbury Road site.

Feedback so far has been ‘split down the middle’, with elderly service users being more opposed to the move compared to those who are less dependent on the facility.

Ms Mayo stressed that no decision has been made and a formal consultation with patients and local councillors will follow.

The director did not confirm whether or not any alternative sites were looked at for the transition.

Palfrey ward member Councillor Hajran Bashir said: “I’ve had a lot of emails and phone calls, people are really concerned that it’s going to close and move to the town centre.

“From the feedback I’ve had from the residents, we need a footprint in Palfrey.”

When Councillor Bashir asked if it was possible for the building to be brought up to scratch, Ms Mayo said it would be "extremely difficult, if not impossible".

Councillor Aftab Nawaz said: “I think we shouldn’t underestimate how anxious older people can get when they go into the town centre.”

Councillor Tina Jukes added: “If you moved it my fear is that it would be too far for people to go.”

Portfolio holder for culture, health and wellbeing Councillor Gary Flint said: “We need to get the engagement right and no decision has been made. We’re at the start of a journey, hopefully an exciting journey.”