Crocus Medical Practice launch takes place

Stakeholders and staff celebrate the completed project...

A special event has taken place to mark the new home of Crocus Medical Practice at Saffron Walden Community Hospital.

Rita Willey, a member of the surgery’s Patient Participation Group, did the honours by cutting the ribbon during the evening.

Her fellow guests included practice staff, the mayor of Saffron Walden Richard Porch, and the leader of Uttlesford District Council John Lodge alongside Saffron Walden MP Kemi Badenoch.

Representatives from West Essex CCG and NHS Property Services were also there including chair of West Essex CCG Dr Rob Gerlis and Managing director Peter Wightman.

Funded by NHS capital, the £2.3million refurbishment has transformed the practice into a much-anticipated health hub, providing additional capacity and the delivery of more healthcare services to the community.

NHS property Services and West Essex CCG worked together for two years to produce the future-proof solution for the surgery which was unable to expand as needed in its previous home.

Nearly 700 square metres of the hospital has now been converted into high-quality surgery accommodation with double the number of consultation and treatment rooms and 25 extra car parking spaces.

Guests were able to look around the new facilities during the launch event as well as hear from those who have been heavily involved in the work.

Dr Jenni Lindford, senior partner, said they had been able to give input into the design of the building from the very start and choose the colour scheme.

“We have already had positive feedback from patients and staff. Working in a much-improved environment has lifted the morale of the staff whilst still working in very difficult unprecedented times.”

Dr Gerlis thanked the staff and patients for their help with the project and recent move.

He added: “This building will benefit not only the patients now, but those in the future and is already a community hub allowing groups and activities to happen that otherwise could not.”

Chris Philbedge, senior portfolio optimisations Manager at NHS Property Services, said:

“The project, which makes great use of an underutilised NHS facility, was a real team effort involving the CCG, GPs, NHSE/I and NHS Property Services, and greatly helped by engagement with community services based at the hospital. This allowed us to reconfigure space for the Crocus Practice and has resulted in a modern attractive integrated primary care facility fit for the future.”