A new outpatient and minor procedures facility, the Mendip Unit, has opened at the Practice Plus Group Hospital in Shepton Mallet, increasing capacity for patient care in Somerset and contributing to efforts to reduce NHS waiting times.
The modular facility was delivered in partnership with construction specialist Premier Modular.
The standalone modular building includes four consulting rooms, two fully equipped procedure suites and a dedicated minor theatre, alongside additional consultant-led clinical spaces and a private consulting suite.
It will deliver a broad range of services, including age-related macular degeneration (Wet AMD) treatment, oculoplastics, urology, ENT, gynaecology and orthopaedics, as well as varicose vein treatments and day-case procedures such as vasectomy and carpal tunnel release.
By relocating these activities, the hospital’s primary operating theatres can focus more heavily on complex elective surgeries.
The project forms part of wider capacity expansion plans by Practice Plus Group to improve patient flow and increase access to care for both NHS-referred and private patients.
NHS patients will be able to access the new unit via GP referral, while private patients can book appointments directly through Wellsoon private healthcare services offered by Practice Plus Group.
Formally opened on 20 February, the standalone modular building was inaugurated by the hospital’s senior leadership alongside local councillors, with representatives from construction partner Premier Modular and hospital staff in attendance.
“By creating an additional modern, patient-focused space for both NHS and private outpatient care and minor procedures, we can treat more patients more efficiently, while freeing up theatres for increased elective surgeries like hip and knee replacements,” said Ross Dowsett, Chief Executive, Practice Plus Group.