Patients in Cinderford are set to benefit from a brand new health centre development after the Primary Care Commissioning Committee of NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group approved the business case.

The news means that work can now progress to replace Cinderford Health Centre with an around £5m modern, purpose built facility offering a range of benefits to patients and practice staff.

The opportunity to replace Cinderford Health Centre with a new health facility for the two GP surgeries currently residing there, namely Dockham Road and Forest Health Care, was highlighted in the CCG’s Primary Care Infrastructure Plan in 2016.

The plan, which covers all areas of the county, takes into account issues like population and housing growth, the health needs of local communities and the condition of existing buildings and identifies a number of priority projects which will improve the environment for patients and support modern healthcare.

A specialist development company has been working with the two practices to explore options in the local area, and they have recently published a business case outlining proposals to build the new premises on Valley Road in Cinderford.

The business case outlines proposals for a spacious new facility which could offer a much broader range of services to patients than the existing, outdated and cramped facilities can deliver.

Dr Justin Forbes, GP at Dockham Road surgery said:

“We’re thrilled that our proposals have been given the green light and that we can move to the next phase of planning.

Our ambition is to retain the welcoming and friendly environment of our current practice in spacious, modern premises. We look forward to all our patients, both old and new, benefitting from this new development.”

Dr Deborah Lane GP at Forest Health Care said:

“This is great news for our patients and staff.  The new building will help us to meet the ever-increasing health and care needs of our patients, ensuring that we can continue to provide high quality services for years to come.”

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

“This development is really positive news and we are delighted that patients and staff will be able to benefit from facilities that are fit for modern healthcare.

The new health centre promises to be an attractive work environment for GPs and other members of the practice team.”

This development is part of wider plans to improve GP premises in the district and is not related, or dependent, on a future decision on the location of a new community hospital for the Forest of Dean.

It is hoped that once planning permission is obtained, the new centre would be complete by the end of 2019.