One step closer to a new Woodstock GP surgery

On Monday 4 August, the Executive Team of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West approved the development of an Outline Business Case (OBC) for a new GP surgery building for the Woodstock population. This is an important step, as it allows the District Valuer to be formally engaged to assess value for money for the new building. 

Following a public meeting in November 2024, Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, agreed to chair regular meetings with a stakeholder group to investigate and then develop plans that would enable new GP premises to be secured and funded. Since then, he has worked with the practice, local councillors, NHS partners and other stakeholders to maintain momentum and coordinate efforts. The ICB contributes a significant share of the costs of running a surgery so the project could not move to the next step without its support for the PID.

The current practice is undersized by 68% of the capacity it should be to meet the population it serves. In September 2024, the roof of part of the building collapsed during torrential rain, forcing the temporary closure of the surgery - an issue Calum Miller raised directly with the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, in Parliament. 

Calum Miller MP responded to the news:  

“I am delighted to hear this welcome news.  It is a huge step forward for the Integrated Care Board to approve the project. Over the summer, we can draft up the detailed funding model to deliver a surgery that is both affordable and that our community needs. The current practice is not fit for purpose, far too small and is not serving the requirements of Woodstock and the surrounding area. Today’s decision is a great relief.”  

Julie Dandridge from the ICB said:  

 “The ICB recognises that the Woodstock GPs have been working under challenging conditions in their current building and we are pleased that we now have some options to explore for a new GP surgery for the residents of Woodstock.  There is still a long way to go to secure funding for the development but the agreement to proceed to outline business case is a good first step.” 

Dr Fisher from Woodstock Surgery said:   

“For decades, the patients and staff of Woodstock Surgery have endured a building that has been unfit for their needs. 

“We are grateful that, after we warned of the growing crisis, our local MP, Council leaders, NHS partners, and the Blenheim Estate came together to work towards a solution—after years of inaction by those who could have made a difference earlier. 

“It is a privilege to care for the people of Woodstock and the surrounding villages. We are immensely proud of our dedicated staff, who continue to provide exceptional care despite challenging conditions. With a modern, purpose-built health centre on the horizon, we are optimistic that our patients will receive the high-quality care they deserve—in an environment that enables our staff to deliver it to the fullest.”