Planning permission has been granted to transform Riverway House in Newport into a new GP surgery, marking a positive step forward for the long term and sustainable delivery of local healthcare on the Isle of Wight.
The facility, operated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, will complement the Trust’s other island surgery at Wootton Bridge, which will remain open and continue to deliver high-quality care to patients. Together, the two sites will provide patients greater flexibility in choosing where to access their care, enhance appointment availability, and support NHS goals for modernising primary care by providing effective services in updated facilities.
The same dedicated, island-based practice team will operate across both sites, ensuring continuity of care for all patients.
The modern facility will include spacious consultation rooms, step-free access for patients with mobility needs, and additional parking to improve convenience.
These developments reflect the Trust’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare for the Isle of Wight community. Feedback from patients during engagement sessions in Spring 2024 has played an important role in shaping the plans, ensuring that Wootton Bridge surgery remains open while offering patients a greater choice between locations. Input also highlighted the need for improved accessibility, parking and modern welcoming facilities, which have been incorporated into the new design.
Eugene Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are thrilled to bring a modern GP facility to Newport while continuing to provide high-quality care at Wootton Bridge. Patients will benefit from a more accessible, comfortable environment, including step-free access, with services that meet the needs of our community. We are incredible grateful for the support and feedback from patients, which has been key in guiding this development.”
Simone Brett, Business Manager, Medina Healthcare, said: “This is an exciting development for our practice and our patients. Retaining the Wootton Bridge surgery while introducing a modern facility in Newport is of key importance – this is what patients and residents told us throughout our public engagement work. Thank you to everyone who is part of making this work a reality, surgery partners, HIOW Healthcare estates leads, and wider partners. These two surgery sites will offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services for residents’ needs.”
The Riverway House surgery is expected to open in summer 2025. Once it is operational, any necessary improvements to the Wootton Bridge site will be carefully planned and delivered to offer patients of all ages a brilliant healthcare experience.