Work to start on GP surgery expansion

Work on a "major expansion" to a GP surgery in Nottinghamshire is set to start in January.

Gamston Medical Centre will get a two-storey extension, an expanded waiting room and additional office space after the plan was approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council.

It comes as Rushcliffe's population is estimated to increase by about 30,000 by 2028, local health bosses have said.

Construction is scheduled to start in January and expected to last 10 months, during which the centre will remain open.

There are currently 6,921 patients registered at the surgery, an increase of about 20% since 2019, according to the local integrated care board (ICB).

The ICB added demand was expected to increase further due to the completion of the nearby Sharphill housing development, in Edwalton.

As part of the expansion, staff will also get additional office space.

The scheme will be entirely funded by Section 106 contributions - in which developers commit to providing or funding community benefits - collected by the borough council.

Caroline Goulding, director of primary care at the local NHS, said: "GP practices in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have delivered a record eight million appointments in the last 12 months, and demand continues to increase.

"This means that the buildings some of our practices are based in also need to be upgraded so that they can continue to provide the best possible environment for patients and NHS staff."

Lynne Sharp, associate director of estates at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said the scheme would improve access to primary care, reduce inequalities, and support "broader social and economic development in the community".

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