A PIONEERING new £2.6 million medical centre offering a wide range of community services could be built in the Ribble Valley, if health chiefs give the go-ahead.

CommuniCare NHS trust and local doctors have put together proposals for a Primary Resource Centre to replace the overcrowded Railway View health centre in Clitheroe town centre.

The existing centre was originally designed for 10 family doctors, but is now home to four practices, with 14 GPs and a number of nursing and support staff.

A spokesman for the CommuniCare National Health Service Trust said: "With a greater emphasis now placed upon local community-based health services, the health centre facilities need to be extended in order that more services can be brought into Clitheroe. "Recent Government announcements have confirmed the growing importance of primary care services, and the development of Primary Care Resources Centres, incorporating not only a wide range of health facilities, but also other community services."

Initial proposals for what would be East Lancashire's first Primary Resource Centre were put forward last year, but could not be pursued because of financial constraints.

However, work on the proposal has continued and the team behind the project now hope that the money will be provided by East Lancashire Health Authority or another source.

A number of possible locations are being considered, with the preferred choice being a development next to Clitheroe Community Hospital to take advantage of existing facilities.

Members of East Lancashire Health Authority will meet to discuss the matter on Wednesday, November 20.

Phil Mileham, manager of one of the four practice's based at Clitheroe Health Centre, said: "The main problem that the GPs and other medical staff have is one of space.

"We've been trying to get consultants and specialists to come and provide specialist services but there is currently not enough room."

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