Work begins on Crocus Medical Practice’s new premises
MP Kemi Badenoch visits the site to meet team working there…
Work has begun on our exciting project to relocate Crocus Medical Practice in Saffron Walden to bespoke new premises.
The £2 million project will see the surgery move into a new home being created in a previously empty wing at Saffron Walden Community Hospital.
Kemi Badenoch, Saffron Walden MP, spoke with the team working on the project when she visited the site. The project is being delivered in partnership between NHS Property Services and West Essex CCG.
The new surgery is expected to be completed early next summer and will improve the provision of care locally.
Dr Jenni Lindford, lead GP at the practice, said they are delighted about the upcoming move.
Dr Lindford said: “Not only will it provide much needed additional practice capacity which will enable the recruitment of new staff and the delivery of more services but it will also begin to create a healthcare hub for the local community under one roof.”
Once completed, the surgery will have double the number of consultation and treatment rooms, across 700 square metres, and provide 25 car extra car parking spaces.
Kemi Badenoch, MP for Saffron Walden, said: “This is a very exciting project that so many stakeholders have worked hard to make happen, and it is one that is really going to benefit residents in Saffron Walden and surrounding villages.
“Many GP surgeries are finding themselves short on space, with rising demand as well as the changes put in place due to the crisis. This relocation will provide Crocus with additional capacity to continue to deliver vital services to the local community.
“I look forward to visiting the surgery once it is complete and hearing how it has benefitted the practice and residents.”
Chris Philbedge, senior portfolio optimisation manager at NHS Property Services, said he was delighted to welcome Mrs Badenoch to see the work being carried out.
He said: “We are delighted to have played a key role in designing and developing this scheme with the surgery and CCG to improve health provision in Saffron Walden.
“It is fantastic to see this hard work come to fruition with the project works now about to start.”