13 November 2008

Up to 12,500 patients in Yarm, near Stockton-on-Tees, are likely to benefit from a brand new health centre if proposals are given the green light.

The new health centre which would be provided by Assura, a leading specialist in primary care premises and services, would replace the existing cramped and outdated Yarm Medical Practice with a desperately needed larger, more modern facility capable of providing a wider range of health services.

It would also address a number of areas in which the current building needs to improve its compliance obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act and new NHS regulations, as well as providing the practice with the space it needs to train new GPs.

Dr Neil Reynolds, the senior partner at the Yarm Street Practice, said: "The existing premises were redeveloped some 24 years ago.

"The greatest challenge facing the practice now is the lack of space to provide improved and enhanced services for the patients of Yarm. Generally, there is restricted space for clinical, training and future expansion accommodation, and lack of staff accommodation to meet the needs of modern General Practice."

Lindsay Methven, development manager at Assura, said: "We have been working with the GPs, the Council and other stakeholders to try and find the best solution to the practice's pressing accommodation needs and we hope to find a solution that will benefit the whole community."

ENDS

Press enquiries regarding Assura Group to:

Louise Bathersby, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3830

Russell Elliott, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3833