ONE STEP CLOSER - PRACTICE EXCHANGES CONTRACTS WITH CHARLES CHURCH FOR PURCHASE OF THE CHEW STOKE SITE.

The practice is delighted to announce that we are one step closer to a purpose built surgery. The partners have finally exchanged contracts with Charles Church on the purchase of the land at the Chew Stoke Site. This is a significant milestone for the surgery, yet we realise that some of the most difficult challenges still lie ahead. A series of patient participation groups will be scheduled over the coming year to work closely with the community on matters important to them, one of which will undoubtedly be the new surgery.

SURGERY PREMISES AND NEW BUILDING

Plans for the new doctors' surgery on the disused Radford's site at Chew Stoke are at last beginning to take shape.

The surgery has been looking for a new home ever since it became clear that further expansion of the current building in Madam's Paddock was impossible and that problems with space and access had become insurmountable.

Despite a lengthy search over several years for a suitable site nearer the current location, none has become available and it was felt by both planners and doctors that the Radford's site, with its central valley location, offered the best opportunity to provide the high quality premises necessary to deliver the standard of care our patients deserve.

The building will be three times the size of the current surgery and built to satisfy sustainability requirements. There will be more than fifty parking spaces and the entrance will be away from busy roads. It is also intended that the size of the building will enable allied health care providers to work there with us.

It?s an exciting project and we look forward to the support of our patients in this move. We recognise that for some people our relocation away from central Chew Magna may be inconvenient, but we feel confident that we can offer a better service for all of our patients from a modern purpose built health centre of appropriate size to the population that we serve.

Your Views

We are keen to hear your views on the project, and to facilitate this, we have organised a Patient Participation meeting on Tuesday 10th November, starting at 6:30pm, in the Baptist Hall, Chew Magna. You can also email us using the contact us page of the website or write to The Practice Manager, Chew Medical Practice, Madam's Paddock, Chew Magna, Bristol, BS40 8PP.

CHEW MAGNA SURGERY MOVING: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: Why do we need to move?

The present surgery is too small and outdated. We have 250 sq m in Chew Magna and our patient numbers would justify 850 sq m. We fall short on all sorts of requirements like parking, wheel chair access, room size, corridor width, waiting room and other clinical aspects like sterile conditions and clean store-rooms. The PCT (Primary Care Trust) has identified us as the single worst practice from this point of view in B&NES.

Question 2: When did we first start looking for a new surgery site?

We have been actively looking since 2001. This has involved a process of consultation with local parishes, the planners, the PCT and various local property developers.

Question 3: Other than Chew Stoke, are there any other sites available?

No. We have looked at numerous sites in Chew Magna and nothing is either available or suitable.

Question 4: What will the benefits be to our patients?

Too numerous to mention!

They will include ease of access, dedicated parking, modern purpose-built surgery, independent access directly to the dispensary, accommodation to extend the primary health care services and scope for further expansion.

Question 5: Will the dispensary move with the surgery?

Yes. With time there may be scope to develop the dispensary into a full pharmacy, but the dispensary will remain attached to the new surgery. We will continue to do prescription deliveries and will extend our arrangements of weekly drop-offs at various collection points.

We would welcome feedback.