Leader opens Ravensbury Park’s new medical centre
Local politicians today got together with health experts to open a new medical practice that has the capacity to look after 10,000 patients in the East of the borough.
Ravensbury Park Medical Centre is a brand new state of the art building located on Ravensbury Lane, in Mitcham. The GP practice has recently moved here from its former surgery – a cramped house in Wandle Road – and currently has 5,000 patients on its list.
Merton Council’s Leader, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, who officially opened the new centre, was joined by Councillor Peter McCabe, Chair of the General Purposes Committee, and Councillor Philip Jones, Chair of the Planning Applications Committee. Also present at the event were all members of the practice, including GP Lead Dr Titus Keyamo, and representatives from General Practice Investment Corporation Ltd (GPI).
The council has been working closely with GPI who have constructed the much-needed new medical centre and pharmacy. The new building will feature five consultation rooms, a treatment room, pharmacy and offices. There will also be 16 parking spaces available for the surgery’s use. The practice will run early morning, late evening and Saturday morning surgeries – the pharmacy will also run the same hours.
The planning application which was granted has an agreement for the developer GPI to include a one bedroom residential flat for the use of the Practice GP. Funded by section 106 the development will feature a children’s nursery and cafĂ©. Improvements will also be made to Ravensbury Parking, including new footbridge over the River Wandle, lighting in the park and a new children’s playground.
Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, said: ‘I am very much aware of the great benefit this new centre will bring to local residents in Ravensbury Park. I do hope people will take up the opportunity to join this modern practice and benefit from the services on offer to them. The new facilities will also help to regenerate the children’s playing area and increase the amount of people visiting our green spaces.’
Dr Titus Keyamo, who is leading the practice, said: “I am delighted to be in a position to offer our services to local residents and welcome them to join our new patients’ list.
Our dream of opening new premises in Ravensbury Park has come to fruition, thanks to the efforts of GPI. The PCT’s commitment to improving clinical standards in modern, flexible premises and the continued support from the Council must not go unrecognised. As the lead GP at Ravensbury I will ensure that we strive to improve the quality and range of services available to our patients – both existing and new. I look forward to working closely with colleagues in primary, secondary and tertiary care.”
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
– Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows a local planning authority to enter into a legally-binding agreement or planning obligation with a landowner in association with the granting of planning permission. It is often used to support the provision of services and infrastructure, such as highways, recreational facilities, education, health and affordable housing.