More space being created at Hemel Hempstead GPs due to growing patient list

Construction of a two-storey extension has begun at the Parkwood Surgery, in Hemel Hempstead – which needs extra space and modern facilities to keep up with the demand from its growing patient list.

The extension and refurbishment will create more than 20 new or improved clinical rooms, a minor operations room, a recovery room and meeting and administration facilities.

During the works, which will last until January 2022, the practice will remain fully operational and will be closely managed to ensure safe access for staff and patients.

Colin Neal, practice manager at Parkwood Surgery, said: “Having the new and refurbished premises will help us to offer a better service to our patients and be a better place for our staff to work. Having the additional rooms will allow us to host various local initiatives that take place where in the past we could not consider them as we did not have the space.

"We have also been restricted with how many GP registrars we have been able to train and this new building will allow us to increase our capacity in this area which will help with the training of the GP’s for the future.

"We have been trying to increase and improve the premises for many years so are really pleased that it is underway and although there will be some disruption for staff and patients we are sure that it will be worth it and are looking forward to the completion in just over a years time.”

It has been supported by NHS England’s Estates and Technology Transformation Programme and is being funded by primary care property specialist Assura – which is also the practice’s long-term premises partner - and delivered by J Coffey Construction.