Health hub approved

The application, to build a health care facility that will provide accommodation for multiple doctors’ surgeries and ancillary uses commonly associated with a medical centre, has been brought forward by agent Ross Planning on behalf of applicant MACM (NI) Ltd.

The £8 million scheme will see the town’s four main GP practices move to the one location provided a suitable agreement can be found with the Health and Social Care Board.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service following the outline proposal’s approval, the CEO of MACM, Sean McMahon said he is hopeful things can now start moving quickly.

“It is good to see we have got this approval,” said Mr McMahon.

“We have an agreement with the GPs already and they are now in discussions with the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) about a scheme of accommodation.

“We have been looking at this scheme for a while now and are hopeful that they will be able to come to an agreement fairly quickly.

“Once that agreement is reached, we can work on the size of the building and agree a rental stream. Hopefully real progress can be made soon.”

The new ‘health hub’ will be located at land to the rear of the properties in Loy Street.

There is also the possibility that development of extra care and supported living accommodation could begin on site. This would create a health and wellbeing village, similar to other developments in the UK and other parts of Europe, according to Mr McMahon.

The HSCB confirmed it is aware of discussions between local GPs and a private developer.

“The HSCB is aware that the GPs in Cookstown have been in discussion with a developer in relation to a potential new health centre in Cookstown,” said a HSCB spokesperson.

“GPs should contact the HSCB to discuss and agree the schedule of accommodation.”