Plans for a new £3.7m health centre development in Minchinhampton have moved a step forward thanks to formal approval being granted by NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) Primary Care Commissioning Committee last week.
The news means that subject to planning approval from the Local Authority, the new centre could be operational by autumn 2021, providing GP services to around 9,000 patients.
The practice has outgrown its current surgery building, and with the local population set to increase over the next 15 years, the GP partners and CCG identified the need to move to more modern premises.
If given the go-ahead, the new centre will be built at Vosper Field on Cirencester Road and have up to 53 car parking spaces.
The extra space would be used for additional consulting and treatment rooms which would enable the practice to meet growing demands and extend the range of services it can provide.
This would include more support from pharmacists, counsellors, dementia nurses and mental health practitioners as well as better access to minor operations and a range of clinics, such as respiratory and sexual health clinics.
Additional meeting rooms would also enable more doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to receive training and educational updates whilst the improved reception and waiting areas would be more comfortable for patients and staff alike, with better levels of security and areas for privacy.
Dr Tristan Cooper, GP Partner at Minchinhampton Surgery, said:
“We outgrew our current building some years ago. Having the right space and modern facilities would give us the base we need to meet the ever-increasing health and care needs of our patients and ensure that we can continue to provide high quality services for years to come.”
Director of Primary Care at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Helen Goodey said:
“The Primary Care Commissioning Committee of NHS Gloucestershire CCG endorsed the proposals last week and we are delighted that this development is moving forward.
The new health centre would be modern, spacious and environmentally friendly with good access for people with disabilities and better facilities for children and families.
It would enable doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to offer a broader range of services to patients.”
This development is part of wider plans to improve GP premises across the county.