Prescription for a new GP surgery

1:40pm Thursday 28th August 2008

Comments (5)   Have your say »

By Ben Perrin »

OLD Town patients will be making the move to Moredon when Queen’s Park Surgery relocates next year.

Planning permission has now been granted for the new building, which will be part of a new development next to the new Moredon primary school on Moredon Road.

Construction work is likely to start later this year with an expected completion date in 2009.

All of the staff and equipment from Queens Park and Moredon surgeries will relocate to the new building.

An estimated 12,500 patients will be automatically registered at the new surgery in Moredon, unless they inform the surgery they would rather register elsewhere.

Queen’s Park practice manager Sandra Pinnegar said: “It is sad to be leaving – We’ve been at Queen’s Park since October 1992.

“The new building will accommodate a pharmacy on site, which will be a very good facility.”

Business manager Christine Bond said: “It’s a positive move and will mean we don’t have to do things twice.

“There will be one building and are very excited about the move to the new premises.

“It will be more spacious, allow improved disabled access, have adequate parking off road for patients and visitors and be on major bus routes.

“The building will have better facilities including a pharmacy on site and possibly physiotherapy and other specialised facilities, which are being finalised.

“We want to take as many patients with us as possible but realise that some might not be able to.”

Patients will have a chance to air their views on a proposal to relocate both and Moredon Surgery into one new building in Moredon, thanks to a thorough consultation process being undertaken by Swindon PCT.

Over the next week patients will receive a letter informing them of the proposed relocation, and a questionnaire.

There will also be two discussion groups taking place at Queen’s Park surgery, as patients registered there will have further to travel and be most affected by the move.

Heather Mitchell, director of commissioning for Swindon PCT, said: “Swindon PCT is continually striving to improve the healthcare we provide.

“Patient need is now outgrowing current accommodation at the Queen’s Park and Moredon surgeries and we have supported GP Peter Mack in his proposals to look at new and modern ways of working.

“However, while the practice has requested changes to the way it provides services to patients, our top priority is to make sure everyone in Swindon has good access to health services. We want to know what people think.”

The plans for the new surgery mean patients can look forward to a new building, more consulting rooms and an onsite pharmacy.

There will also be wider range of services and by filling in the questionnaire patients can tell us what they would like to be offered.

At the end of the consultation a report will be drafted for the consideration of Swindon PCT’s Board of Directors and Swindon Borough Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Both committees will ensure patients have been involved and their views taken into account.

If you have any queries about the move ring 01793 342004.