Mitcham will have to wait even longer for the re-opening of the Wilson Health Centre after it was revealed discussions with developers had stalled.
The borough's only medical practice with walk-in-facilities closed early in March 2017, much to the dismay of those who live close by.
Hope was renewed when plans were announced to open a new health and wellbeing centre in its place.
But now those plans have been put on hold.
Speaking in Parliament earlier this week, MP for Morden and Mitcham, Siobhain McDonagh said: "Brexit means the Wilson Hospital will not re-open after funders pulled out due to economic uncertainty.
"Goodness knows how many communities are going to lose their health centres and GP surgeries, we must have missed that Brexit bus."
The Merton CCG denied that plans had been scrapped and said the new development was still on the cards.
A spokeswoman for the CCG did admit that its opening would be delayed by at least a year, from December 2021, to the end of 2022.
"The project to redevelop the Wilson hospital site will continue - the CCG has already invested significantly and is committed to opening a new health and wellbeing centre," a spokeswoman for the CCG said.
“We are currently in discussions with the developers to agree the fine-print of the contracts – this should be resolved over the coming months.”
Plans for the new centre include a community café and a multi-purpose space at the heart of the building.
Tony Burton, Secretary of civic society Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage, said the delay was a big blow for the town.
"If the plans for the Wilson have been delayed once again then this would be shocking news for Mitcham," he said.
"The rebirth of the Wilson to tackle stark health inequalities in the borough and bring its historic buildings back to life has been promised by the NHS Merton Clinical Commissioning Group for years.
"We now need the CCG to come clean on the plans for this historic site and address its chronic failure to engage local people in its future."
The CCG hope that the finer details can be hashed out in the next few months.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel