A NEW GP surgery has been given the go ahead in Herefordshire with building work planned to start in early 2022 and set to complete in 2023.

The two GP practices in Leominster, The Marches and Westfield Surgery, have been operating in premises in Westfield Walk since the 1970s.

But this building is now too small, outdated and parking continues to be an issue for local residents.

The two practices plan to merge into a single practice from April 2022 which will secure the future of primary care services in Leominster and will allow the best possible use of the new building.

The new centre will be purpose built for the current and future needs of primary care services. It will provide accommodation for the growing and diverse primary care team in Leominster and will allow more services to be delivered to the local population.

Dr Crispin Fisher, GP at The Marches Surgery said: "We have been working with the CCG for many years to get to this point and it is wonderful news for Leominster that we are to have a new GP surgery.

"It will allow us to offer more services in a purpose built and safe environment. The initial plans for the building look very exciting. Having a proper modern surgery will also help us recruit new doctors, nurses and other staff. We are very grateful to the CCG for all the work they have done with us and for going above and beyond to secure funding for this project

"We are also tremendously grateful to our developer and landlord, F H Dale Ltd, who have supported the whole project with patience and commitment. Working with them we will achieve a really excellent health facility for Leominster." .

Lynda Dando, Director of Primary Care for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG said: “The CCG is really pleased that this development has been approved. It will be great for the local area and will mean that patients can benefit from modern facilities that support the provision of high quality care.”