Jesse Norman, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, sets out reasons not to put GP centre in garden (From Hereford Times)

Jesse Norman, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, sets out reasons not to put GP centre in garden

7:00am Wednesday 4th November 2009

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AS readers will know, there has been great public concern at the proposal to locate the new GP walk-in centre in the garden at the Stonebow Unit in Hereford.

In particular, there are four important objections to be addressed.

Firstly, location. The PCT has made clear that the purpose of the new GP centre is to take pressure off A&E at the hospital. But to do this, the centre needs to be located right next to A&E, so that when people with non-emergency problems arrive they can be quickly directed to the new centre.

This arrangement also allows costs and good practice to be shared between the centre and A&E. Locating the centre at the Stonebow Unit, on the other hand, threatens to undermine patient flow and to raise costs.

Secondly, impact on traffic congestion. Locating the centre at the unit may well place extra pressure on the already congested interchange with Commercial Road.

Thirdly, loss of green space. In 2006 I edited a book of essays by independent experts on green cities called Living for the City. This highlighted the importance of green spaces for good city development.

It made clear that, in the absence of compelling reasons, new development should not remove gardens or other green space – and especially not established trees. This is now accepted wisdom among urban planners.

The PCT thus needs to show that there is a compelling reason for the new centre to be located in the Stonebow Unit garden.

Fourthly, impact on patients. As the book also makes clear, there is a growing medical literature showing the benefits of green space for people with mental health problems. The point is that the garden at the Stonebow Unit is thus not simply an add-on. It is an integral part of the therapy offered by the unit.

One final point: the PCT has come under great pressure from central government to establish a “polyclinic” in Hereford city. The new walk-in centre is in part an attempt to deflect that pressure. It would be very ironic and unfortunate if it ended up undermining local GPs as a result.

Readers who share these concerns are welcome to write to me at 49 Broomy Hill, Hereford HR4 0LJ, or email jesse4hereford@gmail.com, and I will ensure that their views receive proper representation at the highest level.

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