Wealden’s Cabinet has agreed to work with Mayfield and Five Ashes to create a combined community and health centre for the village.
Funded by both councils, it would involve a new GP surgery linked to a new hall on the site of the existing memorial hall. It could be ready for spring 2023.
“We set great importance on improving the health and wellbeing of our residents,” said Councillor Bob Standley, Leader of Wealden District Council. “Working in partnership with the parish council, we will replace the outdated village surgery whilst the Parish Council will provide community facilities in a new hall next door. These are integral to the modern day health hubs.”
“The importance of social prescribing in tackling health issues has been highlighted nationally in the Herstmonceux health coach project. The Mayfield and Five Ashes initiative will put community activities alongside health services. Keeping active is a key part of wellbeing. Having social activities on hand can help tackle rural issues like isolation and loneliness.”
Mayfield’s existing surgery is too small to meet the village’s growing population and an upgrade is needed in order to meet NHS standards. The East Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group have indicated their support for the project. The parish council will be helping renew the community facilities which have been provided by the memorial hall for the more than 60 years.
Survey
In a survey carried out by the parish council, 76% of respondents supported the idea of a combined health and community facility.
Wealden’s Cabinet has agreed to work in partnership with Mayfield & Five Ashes Parish Council and East Sussex CCG to further assess the viability and design of the scheme and carry out further consultation. A project board, led by elected representatives, will be set up to oversee the scheme.
