A potential site for merged healthcare in Whitchurch has been identified with a number of stakeholders now entering into preliminary consultations.

Wrekin Housing Trust, which runs Pauls Moss, off Dodington, has confirmed it is currently exploring the options regarding the potential redevelopment of the site to deliver an innovative scheme that would incorporate specialist living accommodation for older people, community space and modern health care services all on one site.

Wrekin is working with stakeholders including the Whitchurch GP practices, Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Shropshire Council and NHS England – but Beverley Ashton from the Trust reiterated talks are at the earliest stage.

“Further announcements on progress on the potential redevelopment will be made as discussions with all relevant parties continue,” she said.

“Any proposals will of course be dependent on relevant planning permissions being obtained.”

The Trust met with residents and service users this week to gather their initial views on the redevelopment, before discussing the idea with the wider community.

It is believed the Trust would factor in the future provisions of residents currently living at the site.

Whitchurch Patients’ Group chairman Peggy Mullock has welcomed the talks and is delighted there is more progress towards increasing health provision in the town.

“We are pleased to see progress being made towards the future of our medical centre and will be looking forward to taking part in the consultations,” said Mrs Mullock.

“We’ve asked people to bear with us while this process is slowly coming together and they have.

“This is just the start of a consultation process and there is still a lot to be decided.

“But it is another step forward, however small, and that can only benefit the future of healthcare provision in Whitchurch.

“With the short-term future of Claypit Street also settled, we hope an ambitious plan can be put together among all the stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, Shropshire CCG and Shropshire Council are expected to rubber stamp the decision to give the contract for Claypit Street Medical Centre to the Bridgewater Surgery.

As The Herald revealed last month, doctors at the Bridgewater Street surgery expressed an interest to take on the contract from ShropDoc, which had requested to step down from running the practice.

The move is part of Monday’s agenda for the council’s Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, which starts at 10am at Shirehall.