Health services in Suffolk are to get a £22 million boost next year – bringing the area nearer the national average for spending per head.
The news came through as health minister and Central Suffolk MP Dr Dan Poulter was visiting a local surgery that badly needs to be able to move into new premises to cope with a growing population.
The Department of Health announced the grants to clinical commissioning groups across the country – and in Ipswich and East Suffolk the figure is going up by 5.5% to £423 million. West Suffolk’s allocation is going up 2.3% to £274 million and in north east Essex the figure is going up by 2.1% to £415 million.
Dr Poulter said the money was now allocated by an independent body not under political control in an attempt to ensure all areas got a fair allocation.
He was speaking during a visit to the Barham and Claydon Surgery, which has operated out of a portable building on Norwich Road for 25 years – but is looking to build a permanent surgery.
Dr Poulter heard from Dr Syed Naqvi who has been partner at the surgery since October 2013 – and said it was important to get money for the new building from developers putting up new homes in Great Blakenham.
He said: “I’m having a meeting about getting money as part of the new developments with Mid Suffolk council – there is a clear need for new surgery here.”
Dr Naqvi said the surgery would probably cost about £1m – but needed to raise about £400,000 to allow it to raise a loan to complete the work. An architect’s impression of a possible new building has been drawn up.
Meanwhile, Ipswich MP Ben Gummer welcomed the news that Ipswich and East Suffolk would be getting more money next year.
He said: “This does not bring us up to the level of other parts of the country – but it is a very good step along the way. I am very pleased at the news.”
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