Our new health centre development in Gloucestershire has moved a big step forward - with confirmation that planning permission has been granted for the scheme.
The news means that building work can now progress to replace Cinderford Health Centre with a modern, purpose-built facility which will offer a range of benefits to patients and practice staff.
We’ve worked with the two practices, Dockham Road and Forest Health Care, to explore options in the local area before publishing proposals to build the new premises on Valley Road in Cinderford.
The new facility will have much more space, including 98 car parking spaces. The larger premises will allow the practices to look at offering a broader range of services to patients than the existing, outdated and cramped facilities can support.
It will be designed with a central atrium area and two receptions, and each practice will occupy its own separate wing. Experts are also being consulted to ensure that the layout takes into account the needs of people with dementia, with the promise that it will be one of the first dementia-friendly GP surgeries in the country.
Dr Deborah Lane GP at Forest Health Care says: “This is great news for our patients and staff. The new building will help us to meet the ever-increasing health and care needs of our patients, ensuring 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 says: “The Primary Care Commissioning Committee of NHS Gloucestershire CCG approved the business case in January 2018 and we are delighted that this development is moving forward.
“The new health centre will be modern, spacious and environmentally friendly, and will enable doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to offer a broader range of services to patients. It also promises to offer an attractive work environment for GPs and the practice teams.”
Our Senior Development Manager, Jonathan Webb, says: “Cinderford is blazing a trail for patients here. The way we design all community buildings is going to need to evolve to meet the needs of people with dementia and it’s fantastic to see these practices leading the way.”
We’re set to start building work in the spring.