GP practice set for major expansion
Coniston Medical Practice in Patchway is set for significant expansion works thanks to £916,566 Utilisation and Modernisation Funding from NHS England as well as £468,000 through S106 funding from the Filton Airfield housing development.
The works, which have already involved the conversion of the practice’s vacant pharmacy space will also involve the construction of a separate extension. Eight new consulting rooms will be created following completion of the works, set to begin in the coming weeks, bringing the total number of consulting rooms at the practice to 17. This additional space is estimated to deliver 24,960 additional appointments annually.
David Jarrett, Chief Strategic Commissioning Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, said:
“This investment is a significant step forward in improving access to general practice and making the best possible use of our existing NHS facilities. By transforming previously vacant space into eight additional clinical rooms, we are creating meaningful new capacity for patients, strengthening local capacity and easing pressure on existing services.”
Councillor Chris Willmore, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure at South Gloucestershire Council, said:
“We’re pleased to support the delivery of this project to provide the infrastructure people need as they move into new homes and communities.
“It is important that schools, community centres and health facilities are delivered alongside new homes and not as an afterthought. Also, that new homes don’t result in unnecessary pressure on existing services.
“The extension to this existing medical practice results in a quicker early delivery of works to mitigate the impact of the housing development whilst providing new facilities for existing residents. This is an important step in making sure all our communities and neighbourhoods are liveable and sustainable.”
Joanna Clayson, Divisional Director at Mendip Vale Medical Group, said:
“We are pleased to be investing in our practice with the support of the ICB Estates Team to deliver much-needed additional capacity for our patients. This expansion and modernisation will enable us to make more effective use of our space, improve accessibility, and support our teams to provide care to more patients in a safe, comfortable environment. The additional clinical space will increase appointment capacity, helping us meet the needs of Coniston’s growing population.
“We are working closely with our contractors to minimise disruption during the construction phase, and patients will continue to access services as normal throughout the works which are due to be completed in September.”
Following the completion of legal and contractual processes, construction works are set to begin in the coming weeks with the aim of completing works by September.
NHS England created the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund to create additional clinical capacity within existing buildings to enable additional appointments.
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB has managed the submission of bids for NHS England’s Utilisation and Modernisation Funding, focusing on projects that aligned with local priorities and capacity needs. The ICB has supported the Coniston Medical Practice through the planning, legal and construction processes, to help ensure the scheme can be delivered effectively.