Changes at surgery to give better care (From Swindon Advertiser)

Changes at Sparcells surgery to give better care

4:10pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Michael Benke

A GP surgery in West Swindon is undergoing a makeover to make it more patient friendly.

Sparcells GP surgery, which was recently taken over by community interest company Carfax Health Enterprise, has begun the first stage of a refurbishment that it believes will provide better patient care for the community.

It is hoped the improvements will allow a greater number of people to use the surgery.

The first priority is to make the clinical rooms more relaxing for patients with the installation of new sofas, cupboards, flooring and sinks.

Carfax managing director Marilyn Hughes said: “These may sound like small changes that do not have much of an impact but they will really improve the environment in which we treat our patients.

“The sofas will be adjustable in height so patients with movement problems will still be able to receive high-quality treatment.

“It is important that the points where patients are treated are as comfortable as possible and the staff are able to carry out their job in the best conditions.”

The opening stage of the refurbishment is expected to take about a month.

“We have worked with this building company before and they have experience working in medical facilities so patients should not be affected too much,” said Marilyn.

The surgery will also be employing new staff so the range of services on offer can be expanded, such as specialist clinics, counselling and midwifery appointments.

“We are keen to stress to existing patients that while we are expanding the surgery there will still be the familiar faces,” said Marilyn.

The opinions of patients and others living in the area are also being sought so the surgery can help them even more.

“When the current changes are complete we are hoping to have an open day,” said Marilyn.

“We want to open our doors so the whole community can see what we have to offer.”

As well as taking over Sparcells GP Surgery, Carfax also runs the GP practice and walk-in service at Swindon Health Centre.