THE £3.5 million medical centre in Kington  opened to patients on Monday, almost a decade after doctors first called for a new surgery.

The Surgery in Kington boasts 14 consulting rooms, a triage, a minor operation suite, a dispensary and dental practice.

The purpose-built centre off Eardisley Road is catering for well over 8,000 people living in rural Herefordshire and, according to Councillor Roger Phillips, ward member for nearby Pembridge , represents the biggest single investment in a county market town for decades.

Dr Richard King, who previously worked at a cramped surgery on The Meads, said the new medical centre had been built with the future in mind.

Patients were disappointed the dental practice inside the centre is private, but Dr King said the surgery will be supporting the practice owner when she tenders for a NHS contract “as soon as possible”.

  • The Surgery in Kington is open 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday.