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Proposed Development

Proposed Development

Outcome of the public survey 13^th – 20^th February 2009

First of all, thank you for all those who took the time to view each proposal, evaluate the options and to let us have your views. It has been a slow process to get this far, the PCT have promised much but delivery has not caught up with our will to get on with it-hence the slow feedback to you, the patients and friends of the surgery. However, with determination, we will succeed!

The patients of Lister House Surgery were invited to view proposed plans for a new surgery during the week 13^th-20 ^th Feb 09.

As two sites were being considered, the GPs were keen to gauge public opinion on which site would most suit the patients of the Lister House Partnership. Each site has much to offer and both would equally suit new premises.

Patients were invited to view the proposed drawings, have the opportunity to discuss each proposal with the developers and submit their opinion for consideration by the GPs.

The results of the survey can be announced. However, it should be noted that the final decision will rest with the GPs, in consultation with Somerset PCT.

The survey findings have been submitted to the PCT for consideration, together with a copy of each site proposal.

An evaluation is to be completed ensuring value for money, this will be commissioned by the PCT and is the next step in the process towards a final decision on site selection.

Please note, the final outcome on which site will be chosen is subject to agreement with the PCT, based on a cost evaluation. The results should be considered as one factor in the decision and cannot be taken, in isolation, as an indicator of the final choice.

The GPs would like to thank all the people who took the time to view the proposals, pass on their comments and some very useful points were made.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SURVEY RESULT IS NOT THE FINAL DECISION ON SITE SELECTION.

These results are for information only.

Site Selection

Based on the questionnaires received (247), public opinion was split:

Gadd SpringfieldGardens (The Green) – 47% (115)

GPI Ltd – Croft Way 53% (132)

Site 1 . ‘The Green’. Owned by Gadd Construction Ltd.

115 people favoured this site, they listed the factors of importance, in order of priority as:

1. Location
2. Access
3. Parking
4. Environment
5. Imaginative design

Site 2 . Croft Way. Owned by Somerset County Council, developer GPI .

132 people favoured Croft Way , they considered the most important factors as:

1. Access
2. Parking
3. Location
4. Environment
5. Imaginative design

Concerns

1. Access. Many expressed similar feelings regarding how they could get to the surgery at either site. This was by far the point that most concerned those who responded. Some commented that The Green was too far from sight and tucked away to make access easy for either cars or pedestrians while others commented on the walk to the
   Croft Way
   surgery crossing a main road and uphill on the way back. Access to The Green is too narrow.
2. Parking. Sufficient parking spaces available for emergency vehicles, disabled drivers and others visiting the surgery. Both public car parks are usually full throughout most of the day. The elderly and those living outside walking distance seek reassurance that sufficient spaces would be available within the surgery boundary to accommodate at least the majority of patients visiting. The Green is seen as a potential for congestion in Bollams Mead and SpringGardens. Residents parking is considered dire.
3. Expansion. Future expansion equalled the score for Walking to the surgery. A restricted site would inhibit any plans in the future and all expressed the concern that the new premises must be able to grow with the population and requirements of the NHS.
4. Walking to the surgery. Crossing the main road (to Croft Way) and walking back to town uphill is seen by a significant number of respondents as a barrier.
5. Road Crossing. Croft Way sited along a main road is seen as a concern for those crossing to get to the surgery.
6. Traffic Nuisance. The Green is sited in a residential area, parking and traffic noise/pollution concerns others.
7. Location of Surgery. Important for all, ease of access, within walking distance and pleasant outlook but able to expand.
8. Future of Milverton Branch Surgery. There are no planned changes for Milverton.

General Comments

1. Design. Building design incorporating environmental features scored highest.
2. Outlook. View from the surgery was a factor in choosing the site. Also, blending with the surrounding countryside was important.
3. Children’s Centre. Adjacent to the surgery was an important factor as access to Health Visitor and Midwife would be much more open.
4. Include Other Practitioners. Incorporate alternative medicines and possibly a dental practice.
5. Speed of Build. Get on with it and don’t delay was a sentiment expressed by several.
6. Public Transport. As close as possible to the surgery.
7. Dispensing. Continue to dispense to patients.
8. Cost of Site and Use of Old Surgery. Cost of the site must be kept within limits. Ideas for the old premises range from a dentist to residential.
9. Local Tradesmen. Use local trades wherever possible in the construction of the new site.

The survey results are only an indication of public opinion and should not be taken as a final decision.