Isle of Wight GP surgery looking for new home

Issues have recently been found in Medina Healthcare's Wootton branch, on Brannon Way, a letter to patients has revealed.

James Davies, the practice's business manager, said surveys have shown the building has cracking and movement evident, to the extent it will need to be rebuilt.

He said it obviously came as a shock, given the relatively young age of the building but was pleased to say the landlord of their building, Assura, was already working hard to bring about the rebuild as quickly as due process allowed.

However, during the demolition and rebuilding phase, the practice will have to move out, transferring services somewhere else.

Plans were unveiled last week after planning permission was sought by Assura to temporarily transform the former NatWest Bank building on the Riverway estate, Newport, into a surgery.

• Read more: Mystery surrounds 'temporary' move of Island GP practice

The former NatWest building on the Riverway estate in Newport.

At that time, documents submitted to the Isle of Wight Council revealed an Island GP was on the move due to the need for 'significant structural work', but not which one.

Now, Mr Davies has confirmed Medina Healthcare will move into the fully refurbished building, if planning permission is approved, so it can provide patients with the services they expect from their practice.

He said it was fortunate staff at the West Street admin branch were already looking for an alternative office and they have now been able to identify somewhere that is large enough to accommodate administrative staff and the temporary surgery.

Medina Healthcare's West Street branch in Newport.

In the letter, Mr Davies said: "We would like to assure all patients we are striving to ensure both the temporary facilities and the new Wootton building will meet all patient requirements so you will continue to receive the best service possible from the practice."

The new Wootton surgery would be an 'essentially like-for-like replacement'.

The current building is still safe for staff and patients to use, Medina says, but they need to ensure that remains the case.

Mr Davies said there is still work to be done before arrangements are finalised, although it is envisaged the move to the NatWest building will take place early to mid next year.

It is thought the practice will be based on the Riverway for around three years although that could change, depending on the progress of the new build.

Patients will be kept updated, however, via their webpage.

Medina Healthcare moved out of its West Street, Newport, branch at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, in 2020, as infection prevention and control measures meant it was unsuitable for patient care.

• Read more: Medina Healthcare plans ‘site swap’ for its headquarters

All patient-facing activity was instead moved to Wootton with administrative staff continuing to work in West Street but the building's owners now wish to sell the Newport building.