21 November 2008
Doctors, civic dignitaries, community groups and representatives of South Derbyshire Primary Care Trust gathered in Church Gresley today for an official stone laying ceremony at the £2.3m state-of-the-art health centre that will bring much needed modern health facilities for 8,000 patients in Gresley and the surrounding area.
Local MP for South Derbyshire, Mark Todd, led the ceremony marking the final stages of building work on the facility which is being provided by Assura, a leading specialist in primary care premises and services provision, along with its development partner LSP Developments and architects West Hart Partnership.
Speaking at the event, Mark Todd MP said: "This is a long awaited and much needed facility for a very popular practice. It’s great to see the range of facilities that both patients and residents will enjoy."
When completed in April 2009, the new facility will provide modern, purpose built accommodation for Dr Starey and Partners who will move into the building on completion, replacing the existing branch surgery at Woodside Gresley which is no longer fit for purpose. Services will continue to run in conjunction with the existing Prestwood House Surgery at Midway.
The building will be large enough to accommodate the growth in population which the local area has been experiencing recently. The GPs will also be able to develop their training facilities.
It is intended that an integrated pharmacy will be included in the new medical centre, which will ensure that patients have access to pharmacy services at the same time as they are visiting their GP and is in line with the Government’s vision for the integration of primary care services.
Andrew Darke, managing director of Assura's property division said: "We are delighted to see the progress of building works at this fantastic new health facility, which we believe will quickly become an asset to the local community.”
Dr Dhadda, GP partner of Dr Starey and Partners said: "We are extremely excited about the prospect of moving into these new premises next year and offering an even higher standard of care.
"We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in helping us to reach our goal in the development of this new surgery, not least Assura, LSP and the PCT, without whom this project would not have been possible."
Ed Sutton, managing director of LSP Developments, an Ashby based development company said: "This project is testament to the partnership formed between the practice, the PCT, David Wilson Homes and Assura.
"We have worked together proactively to deliver this project for the community, where previous developers have failed. The site is not without its complexities, not least the topography and the lead parties have had to assist financially to safeguard the viability of the development."
ENDS
Press enquiries regarding Assura Group to:
Louise Bathersby, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3830
Russell Elliott, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3833
