PATIENTS have backed a proposed new multi-purpose doctors' surgery which could replace Kings Worthy's crumbling practice.

More than 100 people attended a consultation last Thursday on the future of Springvale Surgery, an off-shoot of Friarsgate Practice which serves 2,000 patients.

It was shut for over a month of urgent repairs at Christmas and New Year after fire safety and electrical problems.

The surgery needs a long-term replacement as repairs would only keep it open for another three years.

The overwhelming majority of residents who attended the meeting at Tubbs Hall favoured retaining GP services in the village.

The preferred option would see a much larger surgery built on The Green and would have scope for expansion and consultation rooms would have privacy, it could also see a link up with Springvale Pharmacy in Kings Worthy, which is run by Eric Norgbey.

The second choice would see the consulting room surgery on the site of an existing play area, and would see the play area moved to the village green.

Although this plan avoids building on The Green, the meeting heard it would leave no room for a pharmacy or future expansion and reduce privacy in consulting rooms.

Each of these plans would cost £750,000 according to Marc Dryden, project manager.

Bosses are welcoming feedback on several locations, although none have been formally earmarked.

Playing down the chances of a new surgery, Mr Dryden said: "At this stage it's no more than a hypothetical thing that we think has legs.

"One of the main reasons why we wanted to table those two plans is it is pretty clear to us from when we attended a parish council meeting earlier in the month that if at all possible the local community would like to see a GP presence in Kings Worthy and the area around Tubbs Hall is very central and we wanted to know what the public's view of building on the Millennium Green is."

Health chiefs hope to have a plan agreed by February 2016, when Springvale's lease from Winchester City Council expires.

 

County councillor Jackie Porter said: "I want to see a site that is right in the centre of the village, but the exact site is not decided yet. I am pleased they are working closely with Eric at the pharmacy."

Resident Anne Welstead said: “I prefer option B, I think it is a very good idea and the more facilities they can get in there the better, the current building is not fit for the 21st century.”

Another Kings Worthy resident in his 80s, who did not want to be named, said: “Option A is absolutely stupid, spending thousands to build a new play area when it is already there, and option B is a little bit intrusive, I would prefer it to be on the green right next to the community centre.