Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Estates Manager WEL CCG.

The Committee received a report of the Strategic Estates Manager

WEL CCG on the WEL Estates Update to CoL - Tower Hamlets Goodman’s Fields Health Centre Project Update.

The Committee was informed that the report updates the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee on GP services in Tower Hamlets. Approximately 16% of City of London residents are registered with GP practices in Tower Hamlets at two main practices (Spitalfields and Whitechapel Health Centre, which also have

the satellite practice at Portsoken). The update provided an update for Members on the development of the new Goodman’s Fields Health Centre, which will house the Whitechapel Health Centre, and the services that had been provided at the Portsoken Satellite Surgery.

The development of the new Goodman’s Fields Health Centre will have green space, which will enhance the space and will provide hotdesking spaces for clinicians and other specialists. The development of the new Goodman’s Fields Health Centre is designed in such a way that it can ensure staff can maximize its use and ensure that it provides a welcoming scene. The Committee was shown a number of videos in terms of how the new Centre providing a visual representation of the design.

A Member asked what extra services are expected to be provided at the Centre, will there be a service for patients who are not digitally proficient and who will carry out the triage.

Officers responded that in terms of the extra services, there are no solid plans are put in place as of yet. It is anticipated that the site will be used for an array of services such as social prescribers, physio at a network level. There is no agreement with other providers as of yet, but discussions are happening.  The digital aspect is one of the options, there will be a physical reception desk, and operatives will also remain. There is no intention to replace the current services.  Additionally, in terms of the triage, it is being carried out by a mixture of staff, be it specialists and across a broad range of clinicians.

The Chairman also informed the Community around the Centre has proliferated over the last ten years in terms of residential development.  This was followed by another Member who asked if the Committee knew the percentage of the residents who are registered with the GP. Officers responded that 16% of City of London residents are registered with GPs in Tower Hamlets. Officers agreed to come back to the Committee with further details after the meeting.

A Member asked if it would be possible to add minor surgeries and dental services added into the service. Officers responded that the initial lease covers health only, and dental care is not factored in. As a primary care provider, dentistry is not part of the package.

The Tower Hamlet’s CCG representative noted that this is a process of two CCGs merging into one CCG and will ensure that there is joint up work with other stakeholders such as the City Helathwatch.

A Member asked who will be funding the green spaces at the Goodman’s Fields Health Centre Project; officers confirmed that the funding for the Greenspace would come from Section 106 and funding and from Tower Hamlets Council.

RESOLVED – that, Members noted the report.