I would like to make three points about the proposals for a GPs' surgery at the Gala bingo hall site in Portland Road, Hove (The Argus, February 25).

Brighton and Hove City Teaching Primary Care Trust is still exploring whether a surgery on this site would be feasible. In particular we need to be satisfied that it would be easily accessible for patients and offer value for taxpayers' money.

Even if it is feasible, no decision about whether or not to proceed will be taken until the PCT has consulted residents and other interested parties in April and then considered the results of that consultation.

Whatever happens with this particular site, the PCT is committed to making sure that GPs' premises throughout Brighton and Hove meet people's current and future needs.

Many surgeries are in old, cramped premises and cannot offer a full range of services, cater properly for the needs of disabled people or provide adequate working conditions for staff. We need to change that but recognise the need to do so by working with local communities and GPs to find the best solutions for all concerned.

  • Chris Naylor, estates strategy project manager, Brighton and Hove City Teaching PCT