It is hoped the move would mean more support for new and existing residents
(Image: Chaplin Farrant Ltd/Riverside Medical Centre)
Plans have been drawn up for a new medical centre at the site of a 500-home development, with hundreds of residents backing the proposals. Riverside Medical Centre, which is currently in Ferry Road, Hullbridge, is planning to move onto the High Elms site, off Lower Road, in the town.
The development was built by David Wilson Homes and the medical centre plans to take over the sales office. Almost 1,000 residents have signed the petition for the new health centre at the development. The medical centre said relocating would allow it to “expand its services, improve patient experience, and better support both existing and new residents.”
The plans include three consultation rooms, an accessible patient and staff toilets, a dedicated breastfeeding room, a nappy change room, a clean utility, and a combined cleaners’ and dirty utility room.
The centre says: “Access to healthcare is a fundamental need. As our neighbourhood grows, our healthcare provision must grow with it. Approving this change of use is a responsible, forward-thinking decision that prioritises community wellbeing.”
The health centre was rated as good by watchdog the Care Quality Commission in April 2017 and latest reviewed in 2023, with no change to the rating. Under the plans. the existing car park will be kept with 12 spaces, one of which is for electric vehicle charging.
The medical centre added: “As patient numbers continue to increase patients will start to experience longer waiting times, difficulty securing appointments, and overcrowded facilities. This is not due to a lack of effort by staff, but simply a lack of physical space. Without additional room, it will become increasingly difficult for the Medical Centre to provide safe, timely, and effective care to the community.”