Proposal Filed for Integrated Healthcare Facility

A former university building situated in east Kent is slated for conversion into a comprehensive healthcare center, projected to facilitate up to 60,000 annual appointments. The submitted plans aim to accommodate general practitioners, opticians, and dentists at the location on Northwood Road in Broadstairs. These proposals have been advanced for the Carey Building, a structure previously utilized by Canterbury Christ Church University until its closure in 2018. Officials from the NHS stated that this development would “speed up the start of treatment and reduce the need for hospital visits at a time when services are under strain and appointment slots are scarce”. A representative for Healthcare Needs, the consultancy firm behind the initiative, commented: “The building is adjacent to the thriving shopping centre at Westwood Cross and in an area of significant housing growth.” The proposed amenities for the facility encompass GPs, opticians, dentists, and a pharmacy, alongside a community diagnostic center. This diagnostic center would be operated by the East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust, and would perform MRIs, echocardiograms, and blood tests. Overall, the center is projected to provide primary care for 7,000 patients and a maximum of 60,000 annual appointments, with implementation occurring over a five-year period, as detailed in the application. The structure would feature 36 consultation rooms, accommodating services such as podiatry, phlebotomy, cardiology, paediatrics, counselling, treatment, and respiratory care. A spokesperson for the East Kent Health & Care Partnership indicated that financial backing remains unconfirmed. The timeline for Thanet District Council (TDC)’s decision regarding this proposed healthcare hub is currently undetermined. During July, TDC gave its approval to a separate healthcare facility in Westwood, designated as Westwood Health Campus, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Connect with BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Submit your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or contact us via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. © 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material on external websites. Information regarding our external linking approach is available.