Preston doctor saves building used to carry out NHS services from being auctioned

NHS Property Service had recently put the derelict building next to Clayton Brook Surgery up for sale, much to the disheartenment of Dr Mahtab Siddiqui who runs the practice.

Claiming that he only found out about the auction on property search Rightmove four weeks ago, he said that his staff were very upset upon hearing the news.

"We were not even informed the building was for sale and only found out on a whim,” he said.

"We had been used the building to carry out Covid vaccinations.

What did Dr Siddiqu say he would like to use the building for going forward?

"Primary care is already struggling and severely short of space in the community to deliver services," said Dr Siddiqu.

However, it seems the NHS Property Services have had a change of heart after finding out the surgery wants to keep using the building, and have taken it off the market.

An elated and relieved Dr Siddiqui added: "I received an email this week saying that the auction was called off.

"Now we will try and get this building to use to deliver local NHS services."

What did NHS Property Services say?

A spokesperson for NHS Property Services said: “The Clayton Brook Clinic site was originally declared surplus to health requirements by Chorley and South Ribble CCG in September 2020.

"However, the building was then held temporarily to support the delivery of the national Covid 19 vaccination campaign.

"Earlier this year, the CCG confirmed the site was still surplus to the local health requirements meaning NHSPS could proceed with the disposal process."In light of the interest expressed by the Clayton Brook Surgery, NHSPS have temporarily removed the site from auction in order to facilitate discussions between the surgery and the commissioners.”

What do NHS Property Services do?

NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is a government-owned company which exists to help the NHS get the most from its estate and ensure that it is consistently fit for purpose, so that healthcare professionals can focus on delivering excellent patient care.