Local MP visits site of new medical practice at Saffron Walden Community Hospital

Crocus Medical Practice will occupy a previously vacant wing of the Community Hospital, utilising under-occupied space to house their new surgery.  The landlord, NHS Property Services and West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), together with existing occupying trusts, have worked together for the last two years to produce a future-proof estates solution for the surgery, which will see nearly 700 square metres of the hospital converted into high-quality surgery accommodation.

The work will cost in excess of £2 million and will be complete in early summer 2021.  The co-location of the Community Hospital and Crocus Medical Practice will improve the provision of care locally and will help provide better integration of primary and community care and ensure better use of an NHS building.

Kemi Badenoch, Member of Parliament for Saffron Walden said: “This is a very exciting project that so many stakeholders have worked hard to make happen, and it is one that is really going to benefit residents in Saffron Walden and surrounding villages. Many GP surgeries are finding themselves short on space, with rising demand as well as the changes put in place due to the crisis. This relocation will provide Crocus with additional capacity to continue to deliver vital services to the local community. I look forward to visiting the surgery once it is complete and hearing how it has benefitted the practice and residents.”

Chris Philbedge, Senior Portfolio Optimisation Manager, said: “It was wonderful to welcome Mrs Badenoch to see the work we are doing on the Community hospital to deliver new and more fit for purpose accommodation for Crocus Medical Practice. We are delighted to have played a key role in designing and developing this scheme with the Surgery and CCG to improve health provision in Saffron Walden.  It is fantastic to see this hard work come to fruition with the project works now about to start”

Rob Gerlis, Chair of West Essex CCG, said: “We are thrilled the refurbishment work is starting on the vacant wing of the community hospital. It will provide much needed space for Crocus Surgery and its patients. We look forward to seeing how the work progresses and will make sure patients and residents in the area are kept fully informed throughout.”

Dr Jenni Lindford, Lead GP, Crocus Medical Practice said: “Crocus Medical Practice are delighted to be moving into newly refurbished premises within Saffron Walden Community Hospital.  Not only will it provide much needed additional practice capacity which will enable the recruitment of new staff and the delivery of more services but it will also begin to create a healthcare hub for the local community under one roof.”