A controversial proposal to create a GP super hub in the heart of Sutton has been revealed.

The new health centre that could have up to 55,000 patients on its books could be built on the current Robin Hood Lane Health Centre, as well as neighbouring land on Camden Road. It would accommodate five GP surgeries as well as other health services.

GPs near the town centre that could be housed in the complex include:

• Grove Road Practice

• Mulgrave Surgery

• Old Court House Surgery

• Dr Seyan and Partners (already based at the site)

and

• The Benhill branch of the Benhill and Belmont GP Centre

Representatives from Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said the hub would give practices access to modern accommodation, more space to deliver out of hospital services and direct treatment opportunities at an initial consultation meeting at the Holiday Inn in Sutton on Wednesday, March 29.

But doctors at the Old Court House Surgery said the majority of the practices were not in favour of moving to Robin Hood Lane and raised concerns over accessibility and patient interaction.

A survey by the surgery also found only 30 out of 900 patients at the practice supported the move.

Dr Karol Selvey, from the Old Court Road surgery said: “We are not happy about the proposal. It’s also frustrating that we were very close to receiving a £1m fund for refurbishment. That was stopped when developers approached the CCG about the development.

“It’s also a concern for our patients, many of whom are elderly. We have good transport links here, the bus stop is right outside, but there would need to be a huge development in Robin Hood Lane for patients to get better access and I don’t know what residents would think about that.

“People at the CCG said people could use the car park just outside, but that gets filled by 8.30am. Also, one of the points our patients bring up is how close we are to the high street.

“If we were to move they would have a longer walk, which would not be an issue for younger people, but the elderly and frail find difficult and they would have to go through a graveyard, which when it gets dark and cold could be covered in wet leaves and ice.”

She added: “One-to-one care would be sacrificed. It’s part of the beauty of our practice to have seen some patients since they were babies and now they are having families of their own.

“The proposals would mean there would be an enormous footfall in Robin Hood Lane and our connection to our patients would be lost.”

A spokeswoman for Sutton CCG said: “Last year, in line with the Sutton CCG Estates Strategy, we submitted a bid to NHS England for capital to develop a site in the centre of Sutton, which could accommodate up to five practices and a range of health and social services.

“We are now exploring options to implement the CCG's Estates Strategy as part of this we are engaging with local GP practices, patients and other stakeholders to help shape proposals for the site. There are currently no plans to merge the practices.”

A formal planning application for the centre is expected to be submitted later this year.

What do you think about the proposal? Email: anders.anglesey@london.newsquest.co.uk