GP surgery plans rejected

Date: 05/01/2012

Plans to invest in free phone numbers ahead of the opening of a new GP surgery in Hailsham may have to be put on hold following the rejection of a planning application.

According to the Eastbourne Herald, the local NHS Trust has rejected a proposal to convert a town centre pub into a medical facility.

Despite support from Hailsham Town Council, the body claimed turning the site of the Terminus pub into a doctor's surgery is "not good value for money".

A spokeswoman for NHS Sussex explained: "Hailsham needs more GP provision to the north east of the town.

"The Terminus site is close to three existing practices in an area where there are already sufficient GPs."

It was also suggested the location is too large for a single surgery and would be too costly as a result.

Elsewhere, the Weston Mercury recently reported plans have been submitted to the local council that would see Longton Grove and New Court doctor's surgeries merge.