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Rival bids lodged to run new town centre health clinic - COMMENT ON THIS STORY
A NEW health centre could be opened in the former Scarborough Building Society offices in York Place.
The Evening News understands that two organisations are in the running to operate the new health centre, amid a fierce debate about whether or not Scarborough even needs a new polyclinic or "Darzi Centre".
The first is a consortium comprising of high street store Boots which has an outlet in Westborough, and a group of GPs backed by the North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT).
The second contender is Scarborough GP Dougie Moederle-Lumb.
Dr Moederle-Lumb, who runs Peasholm Surgery has submitted a planning application to Scarborough Council for a change of use of the property in York Place into a medical centre.
The long running saga into where and when the new medical facility will open will be decided by health chiefs at a meeting in York in January.
Dr Moederle-Lumb, declined to comment on the proposals.
A spokesman from Boots said: "Boots is continually reviewing opportunities to develop community pharmacies. However, we can't comment on market speculation."
Health chiefs do not use the phrases Darzi Centre or polyclinic, opting instead to talk of an "extended hours" medical service.
Scarborough councillor David Billing, vice chairman of North Yorkshire County Council's scrutiny of health committee, said: "There are significant and deeply rooted health issues in Scarborough and I welcome any initiative which will improve the general well-being of the town's residents.
"Why should people living in some parts of Scarborough die younger than people living in other parts of the country?
"Why is the level of teenage pregnancy so high in some parts of the town?
"I'm aware that there has been some opposition to the introduction of something called a Darzi Centre but what we're talking about here is an extended hours service which aims to improve the quality of health of everyone.
"Why should people who are opposed to the scheme be allowed to decide if others should die any earlier because of their lifestyles? Whatever the final outcome is, I welcome any investment which will help to improve the health of the town's residents."
One neighbour in York Place, who would not give their name, said the proposed plan for the building was better than it standing empty.
A spokesman for the PCT said: "We are currently going through the final stages of procurement with shortlisted bidders. All bidders are being evaluated by an impartial panel against a set of predetermined criteria.
"The panel will not consist of the anyone with conflicting interests in the outcome of the selection process and bidders have the right to contend the members on the panel should they feel they have a conflict of interest.
"Strict guidelines will be adhered to throughout the selection process.
"The decision on who to award the contract to has not yet been made. A final decision will be taken to the board on January 20.”
Services being offered at a new extended hours medical centre could include;
l traditional GP services by appointment available at convenient times for patients
l walk-in GP services for Scarborough residents and visitors to use, open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm including bank holidays
l sexual health and family planning services
l counselling and other support services for people with mental health problems
l specialist support services for drug users and people with alcohol related problems
l support service for homeless people
l advice and support in self-care
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Weather for Scarborough
Saturday 04 February 2012
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