A planning application has been submitted by the store, in Queensgate, Peterborough, to turn part of the first and second-floor retail space into a GP practice.

If successful, Peterborough Primary Care Trust (PCT) may seek to move the Westgate Surgery to the store to ensure patients continue to receive services in the city centre.

As part of the North Westgate city centre development plans, Westgate Surgery may be given a Compulsory Purchase Order, requiring the practice to move out of its current home.

Boots the Chemist, in Queensgate, has spare capacity and would act as landlord.

A spokeswoman for the PCT said: "The leasing of the premises from Boots would be a medium-term, five-year solution for Westgate Surgery, which will remain independent.

"A longer-term home will be sought for the surgery, working in conjunction with the PCT following consultation with patients."

If it is given the nod by Peterborough City Council officers, the surgery would comprise 12 consultation rooms and two treatment rooms.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Comment below if you support the idea or think it is a backward step.


Practice manager at Westgate Surgery – which has 6,000 patients and three doctors – Geoff Tinson, said he welcomed the news.

He said: "We have been operating from Victorian premises and have been struggling for space.

"It would have new modern facilities that will improve patient experience.

"The important thing is we are independent and not part of Boots."

He said the transfer could happen later in the year.

Last month, a Brighton branch announced it was going to team up with a primary care trust and relocate an existing surgery to the shop.

At the time, company bosses said it would provide wider access to healthcare, while NHS chiefs said it was an innovative solution to relieving pressure on other practices.

However, the move has attracted criticism.

It has been branded privatisation by the back door, and the British Medical Association said it was inevitable profit would become part of the deal.

There are also fears it would damage the patient-doctor relationship.

Councillor Keith Sharp, a member of the city council's health scrutiny and overview committee, expressed concerns about supermarkets and shops entering into healthcare.

He said: "Do people want to go into Boots and see their doctors while doing their shopping? Maybe they do.

"They have got to make sure the patient-doctor relationship is strong and there is not a quick turnover."