DETAILED proposals for the future of healthcare in Wanstead will be opened up for discussion at two public meetings later this month.

Redbridge Primary Care Trust (PCT) is currently planning to amalgamate health care services on the site of the former Wanstead Hospital in Makepeace Road and the existing Wanstead Place Clinic.

Outline planning details for a development of the Wanstead Place Clinic to allow it to cope with the greater demand have been submitted.

Redbridge Director of Primary Care Thirza Sawtell said: "We want to know what the local people of Wanstead think of the proposals for the new GP and healthcare facilities at Wanstead Place Clinic.

"The PCT wants to create up-to-date purpose-built facilities. The building could accommodate three GP practices, community services like health visiting, district nursing and podiatry, and a minor surgery suite."

The proposals are to be funded by a 25-year Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) agreement between the PCT, Redbridge Council, the Department of Health and the private sector.

Original proposals for all services to operate from a 'one-stop shop' on the site of the old Wanstead Hospital were abandoned after public opposition.

Phase two of the LIFT scheme would see the development of the Wanstead Hospital site to provide current secondary care hospital services like phlebotomy and some consultant out-reach clinics.

In a letter PCT Chief Executive Heather O'Meara said: "There are no other alternative plans to build a modern healthcare facility in Wanstead if the current proposal is not successful.

"However, the PCT recognises that it is good practice to consult the public when proposing new healthcare facilities and will continue to do so in the future as further options across Redbridge are considered."

The meetings will be held: Wednesday, January 21 at Wanstead Church Primary School, Church Path, Wanstead, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Monday, January 26 at Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road, from 10am to 12noon.