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Relocation of St Peter’s Surgery
Patients, carers and NHS and social care colleagues contributed towards the survey which will shape the services provided at the Thanet Health Hub.
Find out more on the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust website.
Proposed Plans
We are pleased to be able to advise you that after a long period of uncertainty there has been approval for the development of the Carey building on the old Christchurch university site and the plan is for an Integrated Health hub to be set up where a number of services will be delivered from.
As contract holders for the St Peter’s Surgery site, we hope to move the St Peters practice and it staff into the new facility at some point in the next 6 to 12 months. We are delighted to be able to expand the range of services and access that our current site prohibits in more and newly refurbished rooms.
This new integrated facility will offer a range of services including diagnostics, community services and our GP practice. We are working closely with the rest of the health care providers who will be delivering from the hub and there will be plans/ booklets describing the facility made available at the practice as soon as they are ready. Please let us know if you are unable to get one from the site and would like us to send it on to you.
There will be a number of public events where you can attend and hear about the project and talk about what other services you would like to be considered as this project develops. Please search Thanet Health hub or read the full article on the East Kent NHS website.
Please be reassured that St Peters Surgery will continue to operate as it currently does by Invicta Health CIC, this is just about a move from the existing surgery site to new premises.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
1. Why is the surgery moving?
The current building has limitations and does not meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, the lease expires in August 2026 and the landlords do not wish to renew it. After reviewing all options, including extending the current site, using existing buildings, and a new build, the Carey Building (on the old Christchurch University site) was selected. It will form part of an integrated community health hub.
2. How is the move being funded?
NHS England has provided £10 million to refurbish the Carey Building. All of this funding is dedicated to this site and not being used for any other Invicta locations. This is not a Private Finance Initiative (PFI).
3. What other services will be in the building?
In addition to primary care services, the site will include:
- community diagnostics (x-ray, MRI and other diagnostic testing)
- community clinics
- potential services from the voluntary sector.
4. Will there be a dental surgery on site?
This is under consideration. It’s noted that My Dentist is planning a new surgery nearby at the Westwood Cross retail park.
5. When is the surgery moving?
The last day at Oaklands Avenue is 31 October. The first day at Carey Building is 3 November
6. How long is the lease?
25 years.
7. How much parking is available?
There are 59 spaces shared by all patients. Staff parking is being reviewed to protect patient access. A parking management system may be introduced. Additional nearby parking options will be communicated.
8. How will parking-related safety issues be managed around Millennium Way?
This concern has been raised with Highways and the local council.
9. Are there discussions about bus routes?
Yes, discussions are ongoing with Stagecoach and the council to explore route and stop adjustments.
10. Will busy times like school drop-offs be managed?
Yes, clinical appointments may be phased to avoid peak times.
11. Will staff have a separate entrance?
This is being explored. There are three entrances and use of back doors is under review.
12. How will patient confidentiality be maintained in a shared reception?
Staff are trained to uphold confidentiality. Options for dedicated reception space are being considered. There will be self-check-in facilities and private areas for confidential conversations.
13. How many patients are on the list and will boundary changes affect them?
There are almost 5,000 patients on the list. The plan is for this to grow to 7,000 over the next few years, responding to the new building in the area. The boundary is being extended but will not affect existing patients or potential patients within the boundary now. The list is open and we are overseeing the service provision as we grow the list to ensure any growth in the list size is managed carefully.
14. Will patients need to re-register when the surgery moves?
No. All current patients will remain registered and their details will transfer automatically. You will stay with your current GP unless they leave, in which case the model may change.
15. Will there be more GPs?
Yes, recruitment is underway with interviews planned.
16. How will prescriptions be managed for patients who struggle to visit the new site?
We’re working with local pharmacies and Age UK to support patients with mobility issues. Details will be shared before the move.
17. Will online services improve?
Yes, improvements are being made in line with national requirements to expand online access.
18. How will online triage work? Will it reduce the 8am rush?
This model is being developed now and will take learning for practices that already offer this. There will be communication with patients to explain how it works, how quickly a response/appointment is offered and how we support patients who cannot access online platforms. We are also working through any patient safety risks associated with triage systems. The triage will be undertaken by GPs ensuring that patients have a comprehensive medical review of their needs. Where this is being used now it does reduce the 8am rush.
19. Will electronic prescribing change?
No, it will continue as it currently operates.
20. Will the telephone number change?
No, the current number will remain the same.
Providing NHS Services
