NEW GP services and a pharmacy could come to a fast-growing development near Bicester – but only if people living there show strong support.

A group of Bicester based doctors are proposing to open up in a new unit in the Station House on Camp Road at Heyford Park, which will eventually be home to 7,000 residents.

If the GPs’ new business - called Minerva Clinical Services - is successful in its application to run a pharmacy, then patients in Heyford Park and nearby will be able to pick up their prescriptions closer to home and book a GP consultation there – removing a need to travel to Bicester or Deddington.

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The pharmacy will have a small number of adjoining consultation rooms to allow part-time primary care cover from both doctors and nursing staff.

It comes at a time when several pharmacies across Oxfordshire have either closed or set to close due to financial pressures as well as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

A decision on the pharmacy proposal will be made soon by NHS England and people who support the idea are urged to write to the Practice Manager at Alchester Medical Group who will then pass their letters on for consideration in the process.

Letters should explain the personal benefit that having a pharmacy and GP services at this location would bring to local residents and their families.

Dr Toby Quartley, an Alchester Medical Group GP partner and director of Minerva Clinical Services, said: “We’re hoping everyone will wish to welcome the innovative approach that we’re taking to bring new and more local healthcare services into the area.

“Registered patients will be able to book appointments and to conveniently pick up their prescriptions at the same place.

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“We believe this plan is achievable and will provide a sustainable service of primary healthcare that’s specially tailored for both the present and growing needs of Heyford Park.”

Cherwell District Council’s Lead Member for health and wellbeing, Councillor Andrew McHugh, says he supports the plans.

He said: “People living between Bicester and Deddington want to access primary care near to where they live. As areas such as Heyford Park grow, I expect demand will increase.

“These proposals for additional primary care and pharmacy services in Heyford Park therefore have my full support.”

A virtual public meeting about Heyford Park Pharmacy is planned for Tuesday, November 10 at 7.30pm via Zoom.

More details will be published online soon at www.minervaclinicalservices.co.uk.