New GP practice in Weston set to open in the New Year
Weston-super-Mare’s newest GP practice is set to open its doors in the New Year following completion of the building work.
The construction of the practice is now complete and the keys have been handed over from North Somerset Council, which developed the building, to GPs at 168 Medical Group.
168 Medical Group, which is part of the Pier Health Group of practices, will run health and care services at the new practice. The practice is located on Anson Road in the Locking Parklands development and will be called 168 Parklands Medical Centre.
Dr John Heather, GP and Executive Partner at 168 Medical Group, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that we now have the keys for our new surgery.
“Over the coming weeks we will be fully equipping the building ready to welcome our first patients. We are hoping to officially open the doors in the New Year.
“The new building looks great and I’m sure our patients and staff will love it.”
The two-storey, 1,000 square metre facility will provide GP services for around 12,000 patients. In addition, Winscombe and Banwell Family practice will utilise the facility to support their patients in the local community.
Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which facilitated the build, said:
“Having a new GP practice in Weston-super-Mare is fantastic news and such an exciting development for people in the town.
“Weston has a growing population so strengthening GP services and ensuring everyone has access to high quality primary care is a high priority for the NHS locally, and a significant part of our Healthy Weston programme of work.
“We look forward to the practice opening and welcoming its first patients.”
The ICB has been working in partnership with North Somerset Council to ensure the practice meets the needs of the local population.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
“Access to good healthcare is an important ingredient in creating strong and sustainable communities, so it’s great to see the new 168 Parklands Medical Centre ready to open soon.
“By working in partnership with Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, we have been able to develop health facilities that we’re confident suit the needs of Locking Parklands and benefit the wider local area.
“This kind of project is essential in supporting future growth in North Somerset, as we make sure that our growing communities have facilities they need, right on their doorstep.”
Marion Snelling, Group Lead Nurse at 168 Medical Group, added:
“Having this new state-of-the-art practice will enable us to provide a wider range of health and care services, such as improved community and mental health services and increased social prescribing opportunities, which will provide a greater level of nurse training and experience. This enables us to continue to meet our patients’ health and care needs.”
Chris Bailey, Technical Director, South for St. Modwen Homes, master developer for Locking Parklands, commented:
“We are pleased to have contributed to this fantastic new health care facility at our Locking Parklands development. It is core part of the new district centre in our masterplan and forms a vital element in delivering a sustainable new community on site.”