Agenda item

The Chairman invited the following to the meeting:

·       Mr Ian Sabini, Managing Consultant Lead, London GP Partnerships

·       Ms Vanessa Piper, Head of Primary Care, North Central London NHS England, London Region

Ms Piper reported that an invitation to tender for the new Cricklewood Health Centre had been sent to interested bidders during the autumn of 2020. Bidders were asked to respond by January 2021 and were advised that the premises should ideally be located within one mile of the current site and no more than two miles away. An evaluation of the bidders’ responses had been carried out and the award of the contract would be approved on Friday 26 February 2021 by the Primary Care Commissioning Committee. Following this, there would be a ten-working day challenge period for bidders. The CCG would then write to patients with details of their new provider. The contract would commence on 1 April 2021. All existing staff in Barndoc will be TUPE transferred to the new provider.

Mr Sabini reported that his role in the project was to support the CCG on the estates and property aspects of the scheme. A lease extension had been agreed with the current landlord to 31 August 2021 in order to align with the service contract. This provided some leeway also for the new premises to be prepared.

A Member asked whether a move away from the area was a temporary solution and noted that there are large development plans for the B&Q site just behind the current GP Practice. Mr Sabini responded that this was realistically a permanent move because at present there was little clarity from the developer. The CCG is open to discuss options for a new facility in the area and there may be an opportunity to return to the area.

The Chairman enquired about the length of the contract with the new provider. Ms Piper responded that the contract will be awarded for 15 years with a five-year break clause every five years. The Chairman asked whether there would be an opportunity to move the Practice after five years. Ms Piper noted that this depends on the solutions provided by the bidders and how fit for purpose their proposals are.

A Member asked whether stakeholder notification would include Ward Councillors including those in Brent, Harrow and Camden. Ms Piper responded that they would be notified. The Chairman requested that she be notified by the CCG when the information becomes public knowledge so that she could notify the Committee. The date mentioned that this information should be available was 12 March 2021.

A Member noted that there would be CIL money in the future regarding the B&Q site. Mr Sabini noted that he is working with the Section 106 Officer on this but the decisions would need to align with the Brent Cross development and any potential for a new health facility there.

The Chairman enquired whether a meeting had taken place with Cllrs Zinkin, Clarke and Ryde as recommended at the last HOSC on 3 December 2020. Ms Wood confirmed that this had taken place. The Chairman mentioned that she had also extended an invitation to the three Childs Hill Ward Councillors to this evening’s meeting in case they wished to ask further questions.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the written report and verbal update.