Bid for new district centre in Mixenden

Match funding of £550,000 is needed to be approved by councillors and subject to the bid to the NHS Primary Care Transformation fund being successful, proposals will move ahead for the development in the area of north Halifax.

The current GP surgery at Mixenden Stones is over 25 years old and suffers a lack of investment from the current landlord, with increasing annual repair and refurbishment costs according to the Calderdale Council’s acting director for economy and environment Mark Thompson.

“The building is no longer considered to be fit for purpose. The existing reception is too cramped and overcrowded to accommodate the professional support staff and there is a lack of privacy for patients and staff.

“There is no clean or dirty utility and all of the consulting rooms are almost always occupied on a daily basis, making it difficult to host other services.”

Mr Thompson also said that surgery is owned by a private landlord, with a rolling lease on a month to month basis.

“As such, there is a real risk that the lease could be terminated, leading to a complete loss of healthcare provision in Mixenden, which is a major concern given the nearest alternatives are located over a mile away in Illingworth or Ovenden,” added Mr Thompson.

An opportunity to secure much needed capital investment through the Primary Care Transformation Fund to ensure a deliverable and viable use for the newly assembled site has arisen.

Work has progressed to develop a joint bid submitted by Caritas, who currently operate from the Mixenden Stones surgery site, which will subsequently be submitted by the CCG to NHS England.

The development proposal is to provide a new, purpose-built doctors surgery, replacing the nearby poor quality building at Mixenden Stones.

The new facility would support a wider range of services, but still in the immediate locality, so as to not affect existing patients and catchment area. Proposals would form part of a transformational new District Centre for Mixenden and include a new surgery, pre-let pharmacy, library and retail units, ensuring integrated and sustainable development at the heart of the local community.

NHS England expect to announce which bids have been successful by Summer 2016.