MP calls for work on new Kirkham and Wesham health centre to be speeded up
“This new health centre is badly needed and would be a huge boost for local healthcare provision”
Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has called on NHS bosses to speed up work on the long awaited new health centre for Kirkham, Wesham and Rural Fylde.
His call comes after he was told that the design phase for the new centre on the site of the former Wesham Park Hospital at Derby Road, Wesham is not expected to begin until early next year.
Mr Snowden says local residents have repeatedly raised the need for improved GP facilities with him on the doorstep and warns that the community cannot afford any further delays.
The new health centre will replace ageing facilities and provide modern healthcare services for residents across Kirkham, Wesham and the surrounding rural villages.
After seeking an update from NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Mr Snowden was informed that the project remains at the same stage as it was earlier this year, with design work now not expected to begin until early 2027.
Mr Snowden said: "Whenever I am out knocking on doors across Kirkham, Wesham and Rural Fylde, access to GP services and the condition of local healthcare facilities are issues that residents regularly raise with me.
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"People understand that major projects take time, but they also want to see progress. This new health centre is badly needed and would be a huge boost for local healthcare provision.
"I am disappointed that we are now being told the design stage will not begin until early 2027.
“Residents have been waiting a long time already and they will understandably be frustrated by yet another delay.
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“The current buildings are no longer fit for the future needs of our growing community. We need modern facilities that can support local GP services and deliver the healthcare local people deserve.
"I will continue pressing NHS bosses for a clearer timetable and to ensure this project moves forward as quickly as possible."
Cllr Adam Brierley, who represents Kirkham on Fylde Council, said: "It is clear the current health centres on Moor Street and Church Street are long overdue replacement.
“The staff do a fantastic job, but the buildings themselves are simply not designed to meet the needs of a growing population and modern healthcare services.
"I fully support the calls from our MP for the planning and development process to be fast tracked. We now need to see real progress made as quickly as possible."
The NHS has previously described the proposed new health centre as a key estates project for Lancashire and acknowledged that the existing practice buildings are in need of replacement as soon as possible.
Mr Snowden said he would continue working with local healthcare providers, NHS officials and community representatives to ensure the project remains a priority and that residents are kept informed of progress.
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NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board last issued an update on the new centre in July 2024 and a spokesperson for the Board said it still reflects the current position.
It said: “Discussions between the landowner and the former NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group took some considerable time to conclude.
“A land lease and draft heads of terms have been agreed for the use of the site as a primary care centre. It is acknowledged these matters took far longer than anticipated but the NHS was determined to get best value for the annual rent for the use of the land.
“Since that time, a significant range of options have been explored on how to fund this development.
“The former CCG and now the ICB have had to review all options to ensure the best value for money can be achieved. Those discussions have now been finalised and the funding route identified.
“The practices and other tenants have been kept involved and are all committed to the project. The design team that will now take this matter forward is in place but is currently finalising another scheme.
“Once that project is concluded the team will move across to take on the Wesham development through its design phase and through to a planning application.”