Decision details

Councillor Andreas Ioannidis addressed the Committee in relation to GP services at the Brunswick Park Health Centre.  He advised the Committee that he been in discussion with the Divisional Director of NHS Property Services, Tony Griffiths, who had advised him that services could be reinstated within four to six weeks of the lease being signed.  He added that NHS England and NHS Property Services had been in discussions with the GP practices and their legal representatives regarding possible lease terms.  He expressed disappointment at the length of time it was taking to reinstate services at the Medical Centre and the cost of providing security at the premises.

The NHS England Deputy Head of Primary Care – North Central and East London, Fiona Erne, and the NHS Property Services Associate Director Estates and Facilities, Martyn Hill, updated the Committee on GP services at Brunswick Park Health Centre and Finchley Memorial Hospital. 

Brunswick Park Medical Centre

In relation to the Brunswick Park Health Centre, the Committee were advised by Ms Erne that there were two issues in relation to the reinstatement of services.  Firstly, there was the issue of entering into a lease agreement with Dr Okonkwo.  Secondly, there was the issue of the possible purchase of the Medical Centre by Dr Lakhani.  Discussions had taken place regarding the property issues with both practices.  The Committee were informed that Dr Okonkwo had concerns regarding the proposed fees and the financial viability of the practice following a move into Brunswick Park Health Centre.  It was noted that financial assistance from NHS England had been discussed. 

Mr Hill reported that there had been an initial meeting between Dr Okonkwo and NHS Property Services.  Members were advised that the main issue was the financial impact on the practice, rather than the lease terms.  It was noted that there may also be slight delays with the installation of the IT system and medical equipment. 

Mr Hill advised the Committee that Dr Lakhani had withdrawn from negotiations with NHS England and NHS Property Services as he was primarily interested in purchasing the Medical Centre and was not interested in entering into a lease arrangement.   Following this withdrawal, NHS Property Services had commenced discussions with another practice regarding a possible co-location.

The Committee received public comments from Mr Daniel Hope, Chairman of the East Barnet Residents Association, in relation to the Brunswick Park Health Centre. 

Responding to questions from the Committee regarding the potential for part of the practice to be empty if Dr Okonkwo moved back into the premises, Mr Hill advised the Committee that following the fire in 2010, the premises had been expanded and enhanced with a view to increasing turnover, improving services, delivering economies of scale and developing synergies.  He added that there was room for two or three practices on site, with Dr Okonkwo expected to be using between 33 – 40% of the available space. 

Referring to lease charges, the Committee questioned whether Dr Okonkwo would be required to subsidise empty space in the practice.  Mr Hill advised Members that the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) were being recharged for empty space.  It was noted that NHS Property Services were paying for the cost of security at the building. 

Finchley Memorial Hospital 

Ms Erne updated the Committee on GP services at Finchley Memorial Hospital.  The Committee were advised that a financial assistance package had been agreed and that a Task and Finish Group would be established to facilitate the two practices moving in.  It was anticipated that services would commence operations in approximately six months time. 

Mr Hill reported that NHS Property Services had been working with the Hospital on estates utilisation, adding that he was aware of the issues with void spaces.  The Committee expressed disappointment that there had been no agreement before the hospital had been constructed regarding services that would be provided from the site. 

Cabinet Member for Public Health – Submission on GP Services in Barnet

At the invitation of the Chairman, the Cabinet Member for Public Health, Councillor Helena Hart, addressed the Committee on all the work that had been undertaken to try and facilitate the re-opening of the Brunswick Park Health Centre and the proper utilisation of the GP space at Finchley Memorial Hospital.  Councillor Hart emphasised that the failure to re-open the Brunswick Park Health Centre and to utilise the GP space at Finchley Memorial Hospital were Estates issues which needed to be resolved by NHS England and NHS Property Services.  She added that both situations have significant implications for Barnet’s residents and the CCG. 

The Committee were advised that the Health and Well Being Board would be examining the progress being made to address Estates issues in the context of the CCG’s Recovery Plan.  It was noted that as both NHS England and the CCG were represented on the Health and Well Being Board, the Board was well placed to examine how the wider NHS Estate was used to support the delivery of the Health and Well Being Strategy and to deliver value for the taxpayer.

RESOLVED that:- 

1.            The Committee note the update on GP services at Brunswick Park Medical Centre and Finchley Memorial Hospital as set out in the agenda and as detailed above.

2.            The Committee encourage NHS England and NHS Property Services to continue efforts to reinstate GP services at the Brunswick Park Medical Centre as soon as possible.

3.            The Committee note the financial impact to the Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group and request that the Health and Well Being Board monitor progress on the provision of GP services at the Brunswick Park Medical Centre and Finchley Memorial Hospital as part of their wider review of the estates issue.