Shifnal and Priorslee Medical Centre officially opens
The long-awaited purpose-built Shifnal and Priorslee Medical Practice officially opens on Monday 22 January to members of the public.
Delivered by Speller Metcalfe, the new, purpose-built facility replaces outdated accommodation and an unsuitable building which resulted in patients having to seek services in other areas.
Supported by NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the project team secured over £1.1 million in funding from NHS England, alongside a £1 million investment from the practice themselves.
However, the scheme was not without its challenges, which included working through the pandemic and a rise in material and service prices – alongside interest rates – which saw the overall project cost increase by a further £1 million.
“We have been fighting a rise in construction costs throughout the project, and consistently re-evaluated the scheme with the project team to achieve best value for money,” said Rob Lashford, regional director at Speller Metcalfe.
“As a result it’s fantastic that we have been able to hand over a high quality building, which will not only have an immediate positive impact on local residents, but has also contributed to employing a number of suppliers from around the local area throughout the construction phase.”
Located on Haughton Road, the new facility will give the practice’s 12,000 patients access to more integrated healthcare services.
The newly completed facility now incorporates a light and airy reception, 11 clinical rooms, a counselling room and offices, with the ability to adapt to future requirements should services need to develop.
Dr Kwok Yin Ian Chan, clinical director of the Teldoc Primary Care Network (PCN), said: “The improvements on what was a previously cramped and outdated surgery are immediately obvious to anyone walking through the doors. Not only is the new centre able to offer provision for modern services and appointments, it has a feeling of space and calm, which really supports the patient experience of anyone seeking medical care at what can sometimes be a distressing time.
“Not only are we delighted with the new centre, we also look forward to welcoming patients back to the local area who have had to seek healthcare at alternative locations in the interim.”
Dr Rashpal Singh Bhachu, GP Partner at the Shifnal and Priorslee Medical Practice, said: “Completion of the new centre has been long anticipated by the local community, and has meant overcoming multiple challenges throughout the course of the project.
“We are pleased to have reached the finish line and are able to provide an environment in which we can proudly care for our patients and ensure services are reopened in the town.”
