Overview
Blyth is one of the least healthy places in the Northeast, with significant pressures on GP services in the area. Blyth Health Centre was at 100% occupancy and one of only two sites providing GP services to the town.
Expansion opportunities at Marine Medical Group were limited due to the constrained nature of the site and the need to maintain current car parking levels. A piece of land large enough to fit the additional four clinical rooms required by the GPs was identified next to the health centre. However, Northumbria Foundation Trust (NFT) held the freehold.
Our positive and longstanding relationships with NFT and Northeast and North Cumbria ICB resulted in Northumbria FT transferring a freehold title of the land at a value of £1 to NHSPS to enable the extension build to proceed. The project was completed in March 2024, with Blyth Health Centre providing an additional four clinical rooms, and a space with an exterior exit which could also be used as a vaccination hub out of hours.
Impact
- Increased primary care capacity: The new facilities are estimated to benefit over 13,000 people in the local area, providing more appointments and the ability to offer minor surgery as an additional service. Increased capacity allows the practice to fulfil its GP training delivery, with a new registrar joining the practice in February 2024.
- Supports ICBs long-term health strategy: Improve health outcomes for communities.
- Cost efficiencies: Capital costs of extending the existing space were significantly lower than building a new facility.
