THE new MP has called on the new government for urgent action over plans for Thornbury Health Centre.

Newly-elected MP Claire Young has written to the new Health Secretary Wes Streeting calling for a meeting to "progress plans" on the long-awaited Thornbury Hospital project. 

In her letter, Ms Young said people in the town are "crying out for a decent level of health services." 

There have been several unsuccessful attempts to upgrade Thornbury's health facilities over the last 30 years.

It is understood current plans for the redevelopment involve building 75 extra care apartments for the elderly, and a health centre with space for two GP surgeries on site.

"The town of Thornbury has been badly let down, with promises of new health facilities broken, downgraded and broken again," Ms Young said. 

"It's time for the new Government to honour the promises to the town. 

"I've written to the new Secretary of State asking him to meet me to resolve the issue of this much promised but, so far, undelivered health centre."

The original plans involved three GP surgeries, but had to be 'scaled back' in April 2024 after high inflation and long delays cut the budget.

Tim James, from the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire NHS Integrated Care Board, previously said the budget did not "stretch as far" as first hoped.

The 1920s building located in Eastland Road was shut to patients five years ago in 2019.

The Gazette was previously told by the The Department of Health and Social Care in May 2024 that £14.4 million was being made available for the scheme. 

Ms Young added: "Back in 2004, health chiefs said the town's hospital would be replaced with a rehab centre and an upgraded primary care facility, to supplement beds at Southmead Hospital. 

"Instead it was run down and closed with a promise of a new health and well-being centre, with diagnostic facilities, but this did not happen. 

"Last year the then Secretary of State announced funding but based on 2018 prices which, with the effect of inflation, won't even cover the cost of a basic replacement of the dilapidated health centre currently in use."

The Department of Health and Social Care has now told the Gazette that the government "remains committed" to the Thornbury Health Centre scheme.

A spokesperson added that since the election they have approved "early fees so the NHS can drive forward with delivery."  

(Image: Newsquest)