Kirklees Councillors step up bid for new Huddersfield surgery

Dec 10 2009 By Neil Atkinson

Possible locations put forward include the site of the former Little John pub in Bradley and the premises used by a print firm in Sheepridge Road.

There are three surgeries in Fartown but none in Deighton, Sheepridge or Bradley, other than a temporary surgery in Keldregate, Bradley, staffed by a visiting GP.

“The residents in this area deserve better”, said Clr Harris.

“Many of them are very elderly and cannot travel far, and they face a long journey to the two health centres there are in Fartown.

“The only facility we have is a temporary surgery in Keldregate, in a former bungalow, but that can only offer a GP surgery. There are no essential services such as district nurses or community health visitors.”

Clr Smith said he had been negotiating with Kirklees NHS since 2001 about the pressing needs of the Sheepridge, Deighton and Bradley areas.

“At one stage we had the agreement of the PCT to create a health centre, even to the extent of having full architect's plans, but this has never been translated into action.”

Clr Calvert, who chairs the Deighton and Brackenhall Initiative, said: “We have identified suitable sites and even offered to lend the money to the PCT, but it has not got its act together.

“Sites have slipped through their grasp and their understanding of the practicality of taking health services to the people who need them is lamentable."

The scrutiny committee will now set up a panel to investigate the claims and will call for evidence from health bodies and local people.

OTHER areas of Huddersfield have far more facilities available.

CROSLAND MOOR: Five surgeries serving a population of 17,478 (including 2,692 over 65)

ALMONDBURY: Three surgeries serving 17,346 people (3,262)

DALTON: Five surgeries serving 17,287 people (2,566)

LINDLEY: Eight surgeries for population of 17,302 (3,067)

GOLCAR: Four surgeries for population of 17,478 (3,275).

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