GP Surgery Moves to Hospital Amid Funding Row

Shipston Medical Centre has commenced patient treatment from Ellen Badger Hospital, utilizing 11 consultation rooms under a new 30-year lease agreement with South Warwickshire's NHS trust. This new arrangement will primarily host routine GP and nurse appointments, while more urgent cases will continue to be managed at the existing nearby medical centre.

The South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) stated this split-site model is designed to enhance collaboration between GP, community, and hospital services. It also aims to facilitate much-needed improvements at the medical centre's current facility. However, the move has drawn criticism from local councillors regarding the allocation of £518,200 in council funding received in 2023.

These funds were originally intended to support the opening of a new GP surgery at Ellen Badger Hospital. However, some councillors, including Reform UK's Sarah Whalley-Hoggins, expressed concern at a January council meeting that residents are receiving an 'overspill' for the current practice, not a completely new facility. SWFT clarified that the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, not the trust, applied for the funding and stated previous reporting did not accurately reflect the situation.

Sophie Gilkes, chief strategy officer, highlighted that the partnership brings care closer to residents, centering health services on local needs. Dr. Paul Daniel, a senior GP partner, expressed excitement about the increased capacity and the opportunity to offer care in a modern, purpose-built facility, alleviating long-standing space constraints.