Structural Repairs for Peterborough GP Practice Scheduled to Commence Early Next Year

A general practitioner (GP) practice, which ceased operations in 2022, is set to undergo a series of structural repairs in the new year, according to its staff. The Parnwell medical centre, situated in Saltersgate, Peterborough, temporarily closed in 2022, affecting its 1,700 registered patients and requiring them to travel eight miles to access medical care. Dr Laliwala and Partners, the entity managing the surgery, reported that the building has been affected by subsidence issues caused by tree roots. Additionally, they have had to contend with anti-social behaviour and vandalism since the facility’s closure. A spokesperson for the practice confirmed that the repair work is anticipated to begin within the upcoming six weeks and that patients will be kept informed of subsequent updates. In the interim, patients have been instructed to continue booking appointments with other surgeries, including Ailsworth Medical Centre and Newborough, with some incurring travel expenses of £40. A representative for the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Intergrated Care Board (ICB) stated their understanding of the frustration experienced by patients due to the Parnwell Medical Centre’s closure. Dr Laliwala and Partners characterized the situation as an “ongoing struggle,” noting that contractors have encountered a backlog, which has impacted the repairs to the surgery. “We recently had a meeting at the surgery with the contract surveyors to assess what work needs to be done,” a spokesperson said. “We were advised on 30 October that the work should start on the building in six weeks and it should take around the same amount of time to complete.” Dr Shabina Asad Qayyum, an East ward councillor and a GP, had previously described the closure as “unacceptable and ludicrous.” Dr Qayyum, along with fellow councillor Samantha Hemraj and Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes, who have collectively called for the surgery’s reopening, have “welcomed” this announcement. Dr Qayyum stated, “We will continue to scrutinise the steps that take place in ensuring adequate provision of general practice services for our local population and ward until we see the surgery reopened and functioning.” She added, “Access to GP and pharmaceutical services should never be treated as a second thought, but as a basic right. “We are completely on the side of our residents on this matter.”