Work on creating a temporary facility is beginning 19 years after the first plans for housing in the area were approved, reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter
Work to fit-out a long-delayed temporary GP surgery for a neighbourhood of 5,000 people is set to begin this month, Barking and Dagenham Council says.
Residents of Barking Riverside currently do not have a GP surgery, 19 years after the first development in the area got planning permission.
A report to councillors now says work to fit out a temporary surgery will begin this month and that “services are expected to begin after the fit-out is complete and operational [and] regulatory and contractual arrangements are in place”.
Plans to build a 10,000-home town at Barking Riverside – on the banks of the Thames – were first approved in 2007.
Some 3,000 homes have since been built, housing around 5,000 people, and councillors approved plans to increase the size of the development to 20,000 homes at a planning committee in March.
However, residents of the development have to use GP services in nearby Thames View.
Speaking at the planning committee in March, Labour councillor for Thames View, Sabbir Zamee, said people struggled to get GP appointments because of increased demand.
He said: “The people are suffering in Thames View. Their GP is not giving appointments.”
Developer Barking Riverside Ltd said construction of its planned health hub had been delayed by “viability challenges”.
It now plans to open a temporary GP surgery at The Circus in Barking Riverside instead.
But this has also been delayed, with a report to councillors in December citing reluctance among contractors amid uncertainty around new fire safety regulations for tall buildings.
A new report to councillors now says Barking Riverside has found a contractor, while NHS North East London is finding a provider for GP services.
It adds: “Services are expected to begin after the fit-out is complete and all operational, regulatory and contractual arrangements are in place.
“A confirmed opening date and information about the services available will be communicated to residents as soon as these details are finalised.”
The report is set to be presented to and discussed by councillors at a health scrutiny committee meeting on Monday (14th).
