For many years the doctors, staff and more importantly the patients of Musters Medical Practice have had to put up with deficiencies in the current premises on Musters Road. The building, like other practices in the area, is a conversion from a previous house, so is restricted in what it can provide. As the practice has grown and developed we have been limited by the inability to increase in size, the waiting area is cramped, the consulting rooms are mostly up a flight of stairs and there is a limit to how many services can run at the same time. Disabled access is difficult to improve.

We are pleased to be able to announce that the surgery proposes to relocate to a new, purpose built premises at a site on Wilford Lane in West Bridgford. Many places in the area have been investigated as potential sites for a new surgery but for a variety of reasons have not been suitable.

NEW PREMISES

The new surgery development will be shared with another practice, which will be formed by the merging of four smaller local practices. It is the coming together of practices that will allows us to offer a wider range of facilities under one roof. It must be stressed that Musters Medical Practice will function separately and autonomously and we can reassure that the doctors, nurses, reception and administrative staff will all remain the same. There will be the same ability to see the doctor or nurse of your choice and we remain committed to the same principals of quality. Improvement and personal care. The same systems in place for extended access, booking appointments, telephone access, data protection and confidentiality will remain in place. We anticipate a greater cooperation between the practices in future service developments that would be mutually beneficial and may be able to share some of the many skills that exist.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The proposals have had to pass a number of checks and committees to get to this stage but there is still a lot to do. It is hoped that we could be in a position to move in in two years time. From Monday 14th November 2011 to Friday 6th January 2012 there is a period of consultation where patients, local elected representatives and local community and voluntary groups can comment on the plans. There will be a number of opportunities to find out more; displays in the practices, the local media, open meetings and opportunity to feedback your ideas, questions or comments. These can help to shape the development and could be incorporated by the architects and developers in achieving a fit-for-purpose surgery that offers for the widest range of needs.

PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP

Proposed relocation to Wilford Lane - patients’ views

The 10 members of the Patient Participation Group (ranging from young mums, middle aged working professionals to older patients) have recently had a chance to hear detailed proposals from the doctors and staff about the proposed relocation of the practice to new premises. This move could come into effect within two years. There were many questions raised which have largely been answered, and of course there will be others coming back from the widespread consultation questionnaire sent out to all patients by post, from meetings being held across West Bridgford over the next 8 weeks, in local media and on local NHS websites.

Having heard the issues and had our questions answered, the Patient Participation Group are very supportive of the proposal to relocate the surgery for the following reasons.

The key benefits we see are:

· Doctor of choice – you will still be able to get to see the doctor or nurse that you currently prefer to see –  AND....

· Much more space – waiting area, clinical rooms, ample free car parking, baby buggy parking, more facilities  on site

· Better Privacy – more distance between reception and waiting area, telephones away from earshot of reception

· Safer environment – easier access for less mobile people, all main clinical services on one level, easy emergency access

· One stop shop - access to a greater range of health and care services under one roof (such as blood tests and  ECGs) and to a wider choice of healthcare professionals (such as visiting consultants and chiropody)

· More sociable – cafe area and lifestyle support services on hand – encouraging a healthy community atmosphere

- An on-site pharmacy

We have tried to answer some of the questions you are bound to ask when a much-treasured service such as Musters Medical Practice may be about to undergo changes. Do complete and return a freepost feedback form too, as we will be working with the practice throughout this process to ensure that everything that can be done will be done to make the new building patient-friendly. Your comments are vital to help us meet your needs. It’s an exciting time - Thank you for your comments and we promise to keep you fully appraised of developments.