Last night I held an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons – an opportunity to set out in Parliament the issues we have been facing, the importance of having permanent health facilities in Weybridge rebuilt, and the need for swift progress to deliver this.
While I know 5 years is already far too long to have waited, I am encouraged that we have seen real progress made over the past year. Since I was elected in 2019 it was clear what a priority rebuilding the site was for residents and also the dedicated staff at Church Street and Rowan Tree Practices.
Having listened to residents, I and local stakeholders pressed the project team to ensure final plans prioritised rebuilding health services over broader regeneration proposals, in order to minimise risks of further delays. I also campaigned for same day access to services to be retained in the new facilities – an absolute priority for almost all the residents I have spoken to.
I am therefore delighted that the Health Minister last night confirmed not only this, but also that the site will benefit from the additional provision of a mental health hub.
Having raised the need for the permanent facilities in Weybridge with Ministers and officials over the past year, I was pleased that the Health Minister, Will Quince MP, confirmed he will continue to work with me to press for this to be delivered. He also confirmed the significant progress being made regarding the plans and scope for services on the site:
As my hon. Friend points out, good progress has been made in the design, development and pre-application town planning work. Much of the essential detailed preparatory work is therefore well under way, as he rightly states.
In parallel, the ICB is engaging with key stakeholders and providers to confirm the scope of services to be delivered from a new health campus, and the plans broadly reflect the services previously provided, but with the addition of a mental health hub. The plan also includes a primary care network base, providing a wide range of clinical services to reduce the need to travel to an acute hospital site. As my hon. Friend rightly points out, vitally for local residents it includes a same-day urgent care access hub, replacing the very popular previous walk-in centre. I understand that the ICB will be holding a further public engagement event in January to provide an update on its plans.
Another key reason for securing the debate was to highlight the need for funding to be agreed so these plans can be implemented as soon as possible. While NHS property services have committed to funding part of the project, more is needed. I shall continue to press the Government on this and for a speedy build of the healthcare facilities.
I will continue to work to support the WeyBetter Weybridge project and will work with our local NHS, Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council to drive this forward.
