Bensham community celebrates superb new GP practice building
Patients in Bensham are celebrating the completion of a superb new building at one of Gateshead's largest medical practices.
Oxford Terrace and Rawling Road Medical Group, which serves 17,500 patients on two sites, has transformed its Rawling Road branch with a major new extension plus a complete refurbishment of the existing building.
Practice partner Dr Peter Young said: " It's a boost for everyone to have an investment like this in our community. Modern practices are about so much more than just dealing with sickness. We're passionate about supporting our most vulnerable residents and we want to help people keep active and well, not just treat them when they're ill.
"Our patients and community are absolutely central to this project – from helping us shape the building's light and airy design to running the kind of wellbeing and social activities we all need to stay in good physical and mental health.
"We now have seven more clinical rooms, a state-of-the-art nursing suite and a purpose-built space for training new doctors and nurses. We have been able to increase our team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists to provide timely care when our patients are unwell, ongoing care for chronic conditions and health promotion to help people stay well.
"We often use 'social prescribing' to help people get active, stay connected and avoid isolation. Patients are running yoga, art classes and knit 'n' natter groups, as well as keeping fit on the practice's allotment just up the road."
The practice, which was formed in a merger of two previous practices in 2015, secured funding from NHS England's Estates and Technology Transformation Fund to provide two-thirds of the project's cost. It was supported by Gateshead Council and Newcastle Gateshead CCG (now NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board) as well as patients and the community.
The building features 14 clinical rooms, a multipurpose room for training and activities, as well as rooms for community nurses, link workers and the administration team.
It boasts an array of environmental features from solar panels and electric chargers to bike racks and showers for cycling to work, with local group Bees of Bensham keeping the outdoor space insect and bee friendly.
Retired education worker Linda Robinson is one of nine volunteer health champions at the practice. She said: "Everyone needs good company and a sense of purpose – social isolation makes you poorly. So we organise days out, teach new skills, do all sorts of crafts or have a sing-song and it makes a real difference to people's mental health. We're also planning a walking group and help with cooking on a budget."
Sam Allen, Chief Executive of the NHS's North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "I've seen first-hand how the design of the building will benefit patients and all who work in it. The team have shown real vision and drive over many years to breathe new life into these NHS premises. Bringing a range of clinicians, practitioners and support workers to work together under one roof and meet local people's needs is the way forward.
"I was impressed with the health champions I met at the practice and would like to thank Gateshead Council for all their support, which shows that by working together we can do more for and with the community."
Grandmother of five Gwen Smith, 83, has been with practice all her life. She said: "The practice is great, they take good care of us. I've had a sneak around the new building and I like what I've seen!"