HEALTH chiefs are looking to set up a meeting to explore the possibilities of extra funding for the Derwent Surgery in Norton.

Last month Norton County Councillor Keane Duncan met with senior partner Dr David Longworth and finance manager Lorraine Akers to discuss the options open to the surgery as patient numbers continued to grow.

Cllr Duncan said: “Real momentum is now behind finding a solution that delivers much-needed extra consulting space in the Malton and Norton area.

“Derwent Practice, Ryedale District Council (RDC) and the NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are looking in more detail at the potential benefits of developer contributions via the new Community Infrastructure Levy.

This is good news. Be it an expansion to the current surgery, or construction of a new one, we need to ensure we tap into contributions before we miss out.”

Sally Brown, CCG associate

director of primary care, said: “The CCG continues to liaise with local authority planning departments to better understand future housing and development plans across our area.

“As more new homes are built and the population of our communities changes, this clearly has an impact on GP and health services.

“We need to explore if this is a source of possible funding and will be looking to set up a meeting with RDC and Derwent Practice in the near future.”