'Transformational' new GP surgery moves a step closer

Woodstock Surgery has been in its current building since the 1960s

Plans for a long-awaited "transformational" new GP surgery have taken a step forward after NHS funding for the development was agreed.

Woodstock Surgery has been in its current building since the 1960s, but its GPs say it is not sustainable due to the amount of patients.

Following meetings regarding its future, this week it was announced that NHS funding for a new site had been agreed.

It was also revealed that three potential sites for the new surgery had been identified within the town.

Calum Miller, MP for the Oxfordshire town, said he was "confident" that the "constructive working" between the GP surgery, local councils, the NHS and Blenheim Estates could continue.

"They're all key partners - we cant deliver it without everyone pulling together," he said.

"With a fair wind we will be in a position to go in for planning next year, have some permission in place by the summer, and hopefully be able to deliver a new surgery, that the town has needed for so long, by the end of 2028."

MP Calum Miller said a new surgery would be "transformational"

It is believed that the current surgery is only 38% of the size it should be relative to its number of patients.

In June last year, doctors were forced to write to patients warning that they may have to close the list, because they "simply couldn't accommodate any more".

"What the doctors have had to do is use every last bit of space to provide facilities, but its still not enough," Miller said.

"Building a new surgery would be transformational to the health support offered to residents in and around Woodstock."

He said all three sites pinpointed for the potential development meet NHS criteria required for funding.

"We're going to work really hard to make sure that we get the best, most accessible option for local residents," he added.