Members of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) have announced plans to future-proof GP services in one of the fastest growing areas of the city.
With the South East of Edinburgh’s population expected to expand over the next decade, the Council’s City Plan 2030 aims to create much needed affordable new homes – meaning development in Gilmerton is forecast to grow by 200 new houses a year.
To meet the pace of this growth (and the 6,000 additional residents it could bring) the EIJB plans to submit a business case to NHS Lothian to expand GP services in the area.
It will include an option to invest £7-£10m towards a circa 1,700sqm building in the area to accommodate a brand new GP practice, featuring spaces for a Community Treatment Mental Health Hub and Locality Community Services. Such a facility will be considered alongside alternative ideas, including the reprovision of existing practices.
Commenting the Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board Angus McCann said: “Edinburgh’s population has increased by 65,000 people over the last 10 years and it’s only expected to grow, particularly in the South East.
“This will undoubtedly place greater pressure on those GP services which already serve this part of the city and, while we’ve already worked very hard to increase capacity for new patients, this is an opportunity to look ahead and plan for the long-term.
“In line with our Strategic Plan for improving health and social care in the city, this report outlines our ambitions for keeping pace with growth on the South side of the city and what we believe is a real opportunity for us to consider a modern facility which is fit for the future.
“It’s an approach we will continue to take across the board, as we proactively plan for population growth so that the most efficient health and social care services are in place.”
After being agreed by the Board this week (Tuesday 22 October), an initial agreement for Edinburgh South East GP capacity provision will be submitted to a future meeting of NHS Lothian’s Capital Investment Group for consideration.
