RESIDENTS are invited to come along to a consultation evening to find out more about plans to redevelop Bemerton Heath Surgery.

It takes place tomorrow evening (Thursday August 12) from 6.30pm to 8pm at Sarum Academy.

In documents setting out the plans, the surgery said: "We are struggling to provide appropriate modern facilities to deliver medical care and this problem has been exacerbated by recent increases in patient numbers.

"We are committed to providing exceptional quality of service. Improving the local surgery would both support our existing services and broaden the range of services we may offer in collaboration with the other GP practices in our local network."

Bemerton Heath Surgery is part of Salisbury Medical Practice.

The proposals

The work would involve the construction of a two storey extension to the rear of the building, which is located in Pembroke Road.

Three new consultation rooms would be created with improved training, staff and administration accommodation on the first floor level.

There would also be new clean utility spaces in accordance with modern infection control guidelines.

A small extension at the front with new automated doors.

The extension at the rear would use some of the rear garden but the beech hedge around the perimeter would be maintained.

The documents detailing the proposals also add that the "new entrance, automated doors and larger reception will provide better and improved access for all patients".

They also say that "the existing facility was purpose built in the 1980s and as a consequence the rooms are generally undersized, non-compliant and the overall patient and staff experience is compromised".

Why the extension is needed

The main reasons to extend the building stated in the proposal leaflet include:

• The building has "become full and risks becoming unfit for purpose".

• The surgery is "struggling to provide suitable modern facilities" for it current patient list size.

• It's patient list size is set to "increase in a number of ways" and it would like to be "prepared for the future".

• With additional space it can offer a wider range of services

• The new extension will provide "new, compliant accommodation to provide flexibility and expansion in the future".

A captial grant has been allocated from the national NHS England Estates and Technology Transformation Fund (ETTF) for the project, which is said to be "time limited" and only available until March 2022.

Planning application

A consultant team has been appointed to submit a planning application for improving the medical facilities.

To view the application click here.

Consultation evening

Those interested in attending the public consultation should email katy.gillingham@nhs.net or call 01722 333034.

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