NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) Governing Body has confirmed its intent to support investment in the future of GP premises with approval of the Primary Care Infrastructure Plan (PCIP) 2016-2021.

The comprehensive plan covers all areas of the county and is informed by evidence of future population growth and need as well as considering current provision, condition of buildings and existing schemes in various stages of development.

The plan sets out what might be feasible and appropriate in different areas of the county, acknowledging that a ‘one size fits all’ approach for future developments is not the way to go.

Director of Primary Care at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, Helen Goodey explains:

“Clearly the CCG cannot invest in all the schemes it would like to. Therefore we need to prioritise accordingly, taking into account future challenges and opportunities and putting our patients first.

A huge amount of work has gone in to developing this plan and it’s been subject to significant engagement with GP practices, community partners, planners, developers and patient representatives.

A lot of factors were considered in detail, including future housing growth, the current level of provision within different areas of the county and initial discussions with GP practices and a range of community organisations about their future intentions.

As well as reaffirming our support for a number of existing GP premises schemes in various stages of implementation, this plan is also about looking ahead and confirming future strategic priorities to meet the needs of patients in the years ahead.

In some cases, it may be beneficial for practices to look at shared premises to meet the needs of their local populations, often referred to as ‘super surgeries,’ but not in every case – it is very much dependent on a range of local circumstances.

What is clear however, is that buildings will need to be developed in a flexible way to take into account future demand and the bringing together of other community, care or leisure services.”

Wherever possible, the CCG wants to see developments that can help health and care professionals to work in a joined up way, supporting people to retain their independence and to stay healthy. It also wants to ensure that a broader range of services are available closer to home, 7 days a week.

The CCG has stated that the progression of individual schemes is dependent on development and approval of full business cases and detailed funding plans. The business cases will need to demonstrate a compelling case for change and value for money.

Subject to all the new proposed building projects going ahead, the capital costs would be in the region of £40 million and would benefit in excess of 200,000 patients across the county.

Work on developing detailed plans for the new schemes is expected to get underway in 2016/17.

The PCIP can be found on the CCG’s website at: www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk

  • Section 4.4 of the PCIP sets out developments previously approved, in different stages of delivery
  • Section 5.2 of the PCIP describes key strategic priorities within the plan and premises proposals
  • Section 5.3 of the PCIP sets out priorities for each CCG locality in Gloucestershire.