Public consultation on two new proposed health centres in the Bentley and Rossington areas of Doncaster took place in 2023.

People affected by the plans were invited to give their views through surveys and public meetings.

The proposals, developed by the NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, include:

  • The move of patients and staff from the existing Don Valley Healthcare Centre and the Ransome Practice to new premises on the site of the former community library on Chapel Street, Bentley.
  • And in Rossington, a proposed new building on the site of the former colliery intends to house the existing Rossington Practice and West End Clinic.

Doncaster has secured part of £57.5m capital funding given to South Yorkshire to support the transformation and modernisation of primary care buildings.

The investment required for the Bentley hub is £5.62m and the Rossington hub is estimated at £7m. The funding will be used to create modern and flexible spaces offering a range of services to patients, joining up local services and improving the use of digital technology in primary care.

Funding to develop the new building will be provided by the NHS to City of Doncaster Council to build and maintain the buildings. As the owner of the building, City of Doncaster Council will be landlord to the two GP practices who will each occupy under a long-term lease.

Patients will still see their own GPs but will have access to more modern facilities and a wider choice of health and local authority services.

The aim of the new facilities is to:

  • Provide fit for purpose facilities for the future delivery of Primary Care services;
  • Provide improved integration and co-location of NHS and Local Authority services;
  • Maximise value for money through shared estate and facilities;
  • Provide improved access and choice of services;
  • Support the recruitment and retention of the workforce; and
  • Support the delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan.

 

Artist’s impression of the new Bentley Health Hub

Artist’s impression of the new Rossington Health Hub

 

The consultation ensured the public voice was heard, shaping the final plans, and providing insight into the impact the plans may have on local people and patients.

Public meetings took place during the consultation period allowing people to view plans and talk directly to the programme team, Practice representatives, and decision makers. An online and paper survey was also available for people to share their views.

All feedback was collated and analysed, with reports published into the findings.

An Outline Business Case was then developed which was approved by NHS South Yorkshire ICB in May 2023.

Further work has since taken place to develop a Full Business Case for submission to NHS England for final approval.

Construction is planned to commence in November 2024 with services expected to start running from the new sites by March 2026.