A new health centre has opened in Wilton Road, Salisbury, providing integrated medical services under one roof.
Owned by a group of local GPs, Salisbury Medical Practice at Fisherton House provides space for the New Street and Grove House surgeries, which since opening have now merged to form Salisbury Medical Practice.
Dr Hewetson, senior partner of Salisbury Medical Practice, said: “Patients have been asking for improved services for a long time. We were previously limited by what we could offer our patients, as our old surgeries were cramped. Now we can deliver flexible appointments from 8am until 8pm, with free parking, offering easy access to a large number of health professionals under one roof.”
Tanday Pharmacy and St Ann Dental Care have also become part of the practice since relocating from premises elsewhere.
Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking provided the support for the local GPs to buy the land and build the premises.
The innovative design has enabled Salisbury Medical Practice to encourage other health providers to work within the centre. A group of musculoskeletal practitioners - the Physio Place, Sarum Physiotherapy Centre, Salisbury Chiropractic Clinic and Not Just Backs - are working alongside podiatrist, Vicki Crossland.
Jenny Mears of the Sarum Physiotherapy Centre, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity. We’re looking forward to working with the GPs and patients and know that by sharing knowledge and experience, patients will be able to access the care that is most appropriate for them.”
The additional space that Salisbury Medical Practice offers has enabled other agencies, such as Carer Support Wiltshire, the Alzheimer’s Association, Age UK and the Citizens Advice, to provide a broad range of health assistance for patients and carers.
Public health and community services are now looking to expand into the centre with the dietetic service relocating some clinics from Salisbury District Hospital to Fisherton House, giving patients access to their services in a community setting.
Dr Sharpe, who currently performs locally-based minor operations for patients throughout Wiltshire, said: “The new theatres are excellent as they provide state-of-the-art facilities that are built to the highest standards. Patients have a place and a time that is more convenient and local to them.”