New Leicestershire doctors' surgery nears completion

A new doctors' surgery in a Leicestershire town is nearing completion. The new Barwell Medical Centre was approved in November 2021 by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

Located off the High Street in the town, it will replace the existing surgery on Jersey Way which is at capacity and unable to meet community demand, developers G F Tomlinson said. The number of patients needing to be seen by the surgery is expected to almost double in the next five to 10 years, booming from the current 6,400 to 11,000.

Work on new £3.6 million centre is expected to be completed next month, but no date has yet been set for the grand opening. It will boast 12 consulting rooms, a space for minor surgical procedures with recovery facilities, a health promotion area.

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It is also expected to provide a greater range of services to its patients, including physiotherapy and mental health support. There will be 52 parking spaces and six cycle racks on the site.

The land was previously occupied by a disused vehicle workshop and warehouse. These have both been demolished.

Dr Mark Findlay, GP Partner at Barwell and Hollycroft Medical Centres, told councillors when they were debating the plans in 2021 the existing centre is not fit for purpose and is “depressing to work in”. Speaking as the scheme nears completion, he said he was “excited” the wait is almost over “after 17 years of planning”.

He said: “We are excited that after 17 years of planning, we will be moving into a purpose built, modern medical centre later this year. Over the last 10 years our practice list has increased by 50% to 14,600 patients across our two sites, and we have desperately needed a new building at Barwell.

“After a challenging process obtaining NHS agreement and issues with planning and funding, we are relieved that we are close to providing the building our patients and staff deserve. The new medical centre is less than 500 metres from the existing site, closer to the local pharmacy and more accessible – being situated on the High Street, on the local bus route and having 52 parking spaces.

“We have been delighted by our choice of contractor, GF Tomlinson, who have been incredibly supportive and professional throughout as well as being very considerate to our neighbours. Going above and beyond, they have been supporting the local community with food bank donations, Christmas tree collection and wood recycling.”

Adrian Grocock, group managing director at G F Tomlinson, added: “To be delivering this new contemporary medical facility which will enable more local people to access vital medical care, as well as its expanding specialist services, is a privilege.

“G F Tomlinson is vastly experienced in the delivery of healthcare schemes and understand the incredibly important role they play in the local community. The team and I are looking forward to seeing this significant facility progress over the coming months.”