THERE is no doubt that the project to bring many of Hereford's GP practices under one roof is a massively ambitious project.

And it will certainly bring many benefits to both patients and staff currently using some of the older surgeries in the city centre.

Many are outdated and at full capacity so the plan to build a new super surgery close to Hereford Railway Station is a welcome one.

With any project of this size, there will always be challenges – and many patients are now having their patience tested.

The most obvious problem is that many simply cannot call their surgery as the phone line is often engaged or just rings endlessly.

While modern technology has many uses, those at the Hereford Medical Group must understand that not everyone is comfortable using the internet – or is even lucky enough to have access to it.

So a phone line is still the best way for many patients to speak to their surgery, especially those not well enough to make it into reception.

And more understanding needs to be given to those patients who rely on public transport to make it to their doctors.

Moving to another site across the city might be fine for a young adult – but not for a pensioner with mobility issues.

No one here is saying that the amalgamation of so many GP surgeries is a simple process, but looking after the most vulnerable patients – and communicating with them in more traditional ways – should be the priority, especially when the first brick has yet to be laid at the new super surgery.