A COUNCILLOR has called on NHS leaders to make a final decision on a long-awaited new health centre in Burntwood.
The facility has been earmarked for land at Cherry Close in the town, but no formal plans have been submitted so far.
The delays come despite the closure of the temporary health and wellbeing centre at the adjacent Burntwood Leisure Centre site in 2024.
Cllr Robin Hall, Reform UK representative for Burntwood South at Staffordshire County Council, said ongoing delays were putting the project and public confidence at risk.
He said:
“We are at a crucial point. The land is secured, the county council has offered to design and build the facility and £1.1million has been pledged by Lichfield District Council through the town deal – but until the Integrated Care Board and Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust confirm what they want the centre to include, we simply can’t move forward.
“The county council has stepped up, despite having no statutory duty to do so. The ball is now firmly in the NHS court”
Cllr Hall said that while planning challenges are anticipated due to the change of use from playing fields at the Cherry Close site, he believed these could be addressed providing all partners stay committed.
It comes after Cllr Rob Strachan, cabinet member for finance at Lichfield District Council, warned funding for the project could be better used elsewhere if the scheme does not progress.
Cllr Hall said:
“What’s been unhelpful is pressure being applied in the wrong places and aimed at the county council, rather than at the NHS where the decision rests.
“If that energy had been used to push the actual decision-makers, we might already be on site.
“I also sincerely hope that Lichfield District Council does not withdraw its £1.1million contribution as part of any political move. That funding is critical and the people of Burntwood should not suffer due to political posturing.
“We are close, but now we need the NHS to lead. I hope no one at any level allows this to become a political football.
“The people of Burntwood and Chasetown deserve delivery, not delay and they have been waiting for ten years.”
Wouldn’t a health centre in Burntwood be something of an oxymoron? A glance at the high street is indicative of the lifestyle choices made by residents in relation to self care.
Watch this space (with Lichfield Live’s indulgence) is my advice.
In September, in answer to an email, Staffordshire County Council told me that it was nothing to do with them.
In October, when I specifically asked about their OR Entrust’s involvement, I was told that they were working “with the ICB to develop a suitable site masterplan”.
It is not just about a health centre folks but that is the ICB’s only interest.
A glance at the high street in Chasetown would show ‘Des’ that what is actually located there is Burntwood Leisure Centre. The popularity of the centre shows that many Burntwood residents try and take good care of their health. So, yes, “a glance at the high street is” indeed “indicative of the lifestyle choices made by residents in relation to self care”.
While County Cllr Robin Hall seems to be very prominent in publicly pontificating about what he wants, what is HE ACTUALLY DOING about it using his role as an elected County Cllr ?
Has he for example corresponded with the CEO of the Integrated Care Board. Has he corresponded with the Chair of the Strategic Commissioning and Transformation Committee ? If so, what are the outcomes ? Has he for example had a meeting with Patrick Flaherty, CEO of his County Council who is actually a Board Member of the ICB, and thus using his good offices to provide internal feedback.?
An effective elected County Cllr would be doing all of these things rather than merely being a publicity seeking foghorn.
Mn05 – whoever you are and I suspect are another coward in hiding. I can answer some of your questions- Pat F – yes he is aware of my position & I have written to the ICB.
if you have any integrity or courage email me on Robin.hall@staffordshire.gov.uk and let’s talk.
The relevant questions to ask (by those in a position to ask questions). Is there an approved business plan and has appropiate (nhs) funding been identified and approved? No businesses plan, no funding, no health centre.