Stretched GPs surgery could soon move

A surgery that currently caters for nearly double the number of people it was originally meant to serve could move to a purpose-built site.

Eastfield House Surgery in St John's Road, Newbury, was built 33 years ago with an intended capacity of 8,000 patients, but it currently has 15,500.

A survey showed 86% of patients support it moving to a site near Newbury College.

The surgery said it had considered 17 sites, but the current site south of the colleague was ideal.

It said its present site was too small when assessed against NHS space use allowances, and was predicted to get even more pressed in the next decade.

Three of the surgery's partners are due to speak to West Berkshire Council's health scrutiny committee on Tuesday.

Doctors Emma Featherstone, Anne Maloney and Mark Galliver said staff and patients were struggling with "significant limitations".

"The existing practice was extended in 2012 by a further three consulting rooms and two temporary cabins were installed in the surgery car park in May 2023 for a two-year period," they said.

"However, the practice is still significantly undersized and is limited in consultation rooms, administrative space, patient waiting area, car parking and basic facilities such as staff/meeting room and bathroom facilities."

They say a purpose-built facility would allow for the integration of modern healthcare technology, increased capacity for consultation rooms, and additional services such as mental health support, physiotherapy and wellness programmes.

"Although relocating would involve initial costs, a purpose-built facility offers long-term savings through improved energy efficiency, lower maintenance needs, and optimised workflows," the GPs add.

"Further upgrades or extensions to our current site are not possible."