Patients at a Poulton-le-Fylde doctors surgery will soon be able to take advantage of new, state-of-the-art facilities when their GP practice relocates this month.
Lockwood Avenue Surgery is to move into its own new space within Wyre Civic Centre on April 18 after extended remodelling ended with practice bosses given the keys to the building.
The practice’s two GPs, three practice nurses and other staff are all now letting patients know about the move to the historic Breck Road building, which remains the headquarters of Wyre Borough Council.
Practice manager Nathalie Lewin said: “We have been waiting for this move for some time and now we are all excited to get into the new building.
“This move really is the best solution for all our patients who will be able to benefit from care in a much more appropriate setting.
“The Civic Centre space provides us with all the facilities we need to deliver high quality care for generations to come.”
An area that formerly housed the council’s planning department has been completely transformed, with patients set to benefit from a reception and waiting area for 40 people, complete with children’s play area, four consultation rooms, two treatment rooms and a minor operations room.
NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG clinical chief officer Dr Tony Naughton added: “It has been no secret that the Lockwood Avenue building is no longer fit for purpose. It is certainly not the place to deliver services for the coming decades.
“What we have developed at Wyre Civic Centre is the ideal facility to house a practice fit not just for the present, but for the future as well.”
Garry Payne, chief executive at Wyre Council, said: “Creating a healthier Wyre is one of the council’s priorities and the creation of a health hub in Poulton is the first step towards improving the health and wellbeing of our residents.
“The idea is to integrate traditional health services with council services that can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing, such as debt and welfare advice, volunteering, care and repair and housing options. GPs will be able to refer patients directly to these services and they’ll all be under one roof.
“Working together with partners like NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG has much greater impact and while it will undoubtedly save money, residents will receive better quality, tailored care.”
