We are working ceaselessly with our partners to finally get some new GP surgeries built so residents across the Borough finally have access to the healthcare they need - and this isn’t all talk, as the old adage goes. There is real progress and tangible changes on the horizon.
In 2023, we created the Strategic Health Estates Borad, marking the start of a coordinate effort to undo 14 years of inaction and address our poor GP infrastructure. This was also backed by our £9 million investment to “unblock” plans so residents will finally see spades in ground and new GPs built.
So, where has the new Conservative’s administration strategy and £9 million investment got us?
Well, there is a new surgery on the horizon for residents of Great Barford. We have made great progress as our feasibility study concluded the best option was to move the current GP practice to a new, purpose-built location on Silver Street. This new site will have more room for patients, better practice rooms, and to show my consistency when it comes to parking – there will be more parking spaces.
However, due to changes in costs we are working with our expert consultants to review the designs and identify savings, ensuring a well-managed budget and a facility that meets the needs of the community.
Kempston’s flagship health hub is also proceeding smoothly. We have big plans to create a multi-speciality community care centre (MCCC) that I’m told will consolidate the three existing GP practices under one roof. A simple and effective one stop shop for all healthcare needs to make life easier for residents in Kempston.
The Kempston Police Station on Halsey Road has been identified as the perfect location and to show just how serious we are about giving the people of Kempston proper access to healthcare – we have put an extra £2 million in our budget to purchase this site.
In the meantime, Cater Street Surgery has already been relocated to Kempston Health Centre, improving service delivery for local patients.
Last but not least, we are making collaborative efforts to get Wixams and Wootton GPs progressed as quickly as possible.
For Wixams, funding has been secured and we are working closely with Central Bedfordshire Council and the ICB to fast-track the healthcare facility. With the combined efforts of both Councils and the ICB, there is strong confidence that a solution will soon be found so residents won’t have to endure poor access to healthcare any longer.
Meanwhile, in Wootton, even though the ICB does not consider a new healthcare facility a priority for residents, that isn’t something I accept. Absolutely not. Together with my Conservative colleagues and the Council we are pushing hard to get a new healthcare facility off the ground.
A feasibility study is underway to look at options for either rebuilding on the current site or creating a new facility at Bedford Commercial Park. Progress is being made.
At the heart of all these plans are you. The residents of Bedford Borough. Whether it’s through new buildings, modern facilities, or better services, the goal is to support residents in living healthier, happier lives.
Turning around 14 years of neglect from my predecessor doesn’t happen overnight, but our plans are working and even better days for Bedford Borough are on its way as promised in my manifesto.
