Work on a new building for Lattimore and Village Surgery in London Colney is now underway, creating an integrated hub of core community services including GPs, a library, and parish council offices.
The new medical centre building has an eco-friendly design to minimise energy use and space for an onsite pharmacy, minor operations service and mental health counselling, as well as the practice’s full range of primary care services and clinics.
Sylvia Foster, acting practice manager, said: “After such a difficult few months for everyone in our community, it’s a real boost to reach this milestone.
“We’re so looking forward to having these modern facilities which will set us up to provide care and services for our community for the years to come.”
Deborah Clarke, chairman of the practice’s Patient Participation Group, added: “Having spoken to numerous patients, we’re all looking forward to a new surgery with a lift, disabled facilities, space for parents with children, and ample parking.
With the possibility of more-extensive medical facilities in one local practice, we feel that we are moving into the 21st Century and it is exciting
“Also, the site will be a great advantage to many who will be able to access other local facilities in one visit, such as being close to the school, library and the community centre with its programme of events, especially geared to the elderly during the day.
“The plans show a spacious and variable building which will be able to cope with an ever-increasing population.
“And, with the possibility of more-extensive medical facilities in one local practice, we feel that we are moving into the 21st Century and it is exciting.”
The current practice building is too small, and the service has outgrown the premises.
The new-build scheme is being funded in part by NHS England’s Estates and Technology Transformation Fund.
Land for the project was made available by London Colney Parish Council.
Local contractor, Conamar, will construct the building, which was designed by James Totty Partnership.
For the many thousands of patients and staff who will use the building in the future, the foundations being laid in lockdown will offer a new base for health and wellbeing in the community
The scheme is being funded by primary care property specialist, Assura.
Assura’s development manager, David Sadler, said: “This feels like a particularly-special start on site, given its timing.
“For the many thousands of patients and staff who will use the building in the future, the foundations being laid in lockdown will offer a new base for health and wellbeing in the community.”
The new centre is set to open to patients next summer.