The return of the former West Street GP surgery (Medina Healthcare) to Newport has been backed by three Newport IW Councillors, who are also local Community Council members.
The former Newport surgery moved to Wootton Bridge in 2020 as its West Street premises were considered unsuitable during the Covid pandemic.
Move to Riverway Newport
The surgery has recently announced that the Wootton premises require major building works and are making firm plans to move to the Riverway business park in Newport. The practice management will also be transferred to the Solent NHS Trust based in Southampton, with the four practice GPs becoming salaried rather than fund-holders.
The planned move has not gone down well with many residents of Wootton and nearby, though more than half the practice’s patients live in Newport.
Needs free parking and regular buses from Newport
Councillor Martin Oliver (Mountjoy and Shide) pointed out that,
“The move four years ago was made without any consultation with Newport residents.
“However, it hasn’t been that unpopular as there was free parking and regular buses from Newport. If that were to be replicated in Newport then I would have little objection.”
Price: Am sure satellite surgery could be retained in Wootton if there was a will
Councillor Matthew Price (Fairlee and Whippingham) said,
“Riverway isn’t ideal, but it will have plenty of free parking, is walkable from the town centre by those that are mobile and there is a limited bus service.
“If we can see the bus service improved and ensure safe pedestrian routes – particularly across Hunnycross Way by Lidl – then the location is reasonable and I would support it.
“I am also sure that a satellite surgery could be retained in Wootton if there was a will. “
Solent NHS Trust need to support the bus route
Councillor Geoff Brodie (Pan and Barton) said,
“Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council currently funds the very limited No. 39 bus service that only runs five times per weekday to Riverway, arriving 10.20-14.20 Monday-Friday.
“There is no funding from the bus company and currently nothing is proposed by Solent NHS Trust to help improve the service as part of their plans to move, even though patients will have appointments anytime 8.00-18.30 Monday-Saturday.
“The Community Council’s funding has been contentious within our budget in recent years and I would certainly like to think that some Trust support might ensure its continuance.”
The proposed move will be discussed at the next meeting of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council on Monday 13th May, which all three councillors will attend.
News shared by Matt, in his own words. Ed
