Two new ophthalmology diagnostic hubs open for Somerset residents
Two new ophthalmology units have now opened for residents in Somerset, as part of a programme of refurbishment works on behalf of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
An existing two-storey office building in Taunton and a former Monsoon retail store in Yeovil have both been transformed into the ophthalmology hubs following a fast-track programme of works – much of which was delivered out of hours – to ensure the service could be accessible to residents as soon as possible.
Delivered by building contractor Speller Metcalfe, the hubs will now enable Somerset NHS to deliver first class retinal and glaucoma ophthalmology services to the communities of Taunton and Yeovil.
Lauren Banks, Key Account Manager, Procure Partnerships Framework, commented: “The project’s timeline was challenging but Speller Metcalfe and Archus have worked collaboratively with the design team and demonstrated their healthcare expertise in making the project work. The collaboration between all parties and the Foundation Trust has been fantastic and we’re delighted to be a part of that.”
Somerset is the sixth largest county in England but also one of the most rural, so both centres were located with accessibility in mind, with good public links and car parking, as well as accessibility for patient transport services and drop off.
Contractor Speller Metcalfe, who last year delivered the multi-million keyworker accommodation at Yeovil Hospital, delivered the scheme under the Procure Partnerships Framework as part of a programme of refurbishment works on behalf of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
Mark Eaton, Divisional Director, Speller Metcalfe, said: “Speller Metcalfe has a long-standing history of successful NHS projects, and we are delighted to have worked with the Trust to deliver on their promise of a ‘one-stop-shop’ for ophthalmology patients in Somerset.
“Both schemes have been challenging due to their quick turnaround in busy, public-facing locations, and it is credit to the project team who have worked exceptionally hard to get each site ready for its new patients – many of whom will not have been able to access these services previously.”
