Plans for a much-needed new primary healthcare centre in Grange over Sands have moved a step closer after a planning application was submitted to South Lakeland District Council.

The proposed £3.5m state-of-the-art health centre is being developed by GPI a specialist primary care centre development and investment company working in conjunction with its architects Levens based Damson Design and the doctors at the existing Nutwood and Rose Grove Surgeries with their advisors LHL Group.

The plan is to provide modern, purpose built and spacious accommodation to replace the existing Rose Grove and Nutwood Surgeries in Grange which are cramped, outdated and no longer fit for purpose. Similarly the existing Grange Clinic would re-locate to the new facility.

Once completed, a clinical team including GPs, nurses and other associated healthcare professionals will move into the new premises, allowing them to increase and enhance their current range of high quality services.

An on-site pharmacy is also included in development plans which will increase patient convenience and choice by enabling them to pick up prescriptions immediately after consultation with their doctor.

The new building will extend to 1,474sqm with 32 dedicated car parking spaces.
Commenting on the planning application, Dr Sheila Phizacklea 28 years a GP in Grange and Senior Partner at Rose Grove Surgery said,  “Everyone involved is delighted with the proposals. This new purpose-built surgery will improve healthcare facilities and services, car parking and community services. Following the well attended public exhibition we are very pleased with the response from our patients and staff to the planning of our facilities”.

Hugh Reeve lead GP from Nutwood Surgery said: "The proposed new health facility will provide modern spacious accommodation specifically designed for the requirements we have in Grange which are currently being provided from grossly inadequate premises."

"We have worked in close partnership with GPI and its specialist team, Cumbria PCT who have been at all stakeholder meetings and South Lakeland District Council who are advised by NPS Group to reach this stage and are confident that, if approved, the new facility will prove a valuable asset to the local community."

Andrew Caldwell, Regional Director at GPI added: “We are very pleased to be working with the practices and PCT to deliver this important facility for the local community. This is really the first phase of the Berners Close regeneration of this part of Grange which will also include residential accommodation provided by Russell Armer, a retirement facility and a re-provision of the Grange over Sands swimming pool for the community being undertaken by South Lakes Hotels".

Pending planning approval, work is scheduled to start on site late summer with opening expected before the end of 2011.

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