A variation project at Comely Bank Clinic in East London has seen an existing void space used to create a new GP practice.
The project, which started in August 2022, has converted a previous non-clinical area into a mix of clinical, administrative, and utility space, including several treatment rooms, an examination room, and a staff rest area.
The £800,000 variation, capital funded by Community Health Partnerships (CHP), was a collaboration with North East London ICS and CHP’s local LIFTCo partner, RWF Health and Community Developers.
CHP is the head tenant of the health facility, which was completed and opened in 2005.
In line with North East London ICB’s Strategic Estates Strategy for the Waltham Forest locality, the new GP practice will improve the delivery of primary health services for the local community, including increased access to GP appointments.
The Bailey Practice will now move its services from a shopfront premises, into a purpose-built accommodation at the Comely Bank Clinic.
This not only supports the wellbeing of the community, but will provide an enriched environment for staff and visiting health professionals.
It will also mean the new team will be able to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, all under one roof, to deliver a much-needed and quicker service for patients.
Eugene Prinsloo, developments director for CHP, said: “I’m delighted that the work at the Comely Bank Clinic has now been completed.
“Working closely with our partners, we have been able to deliver a much-needed facility for primary care services which will benefit many patients at a time where the NHS is stretched.”
William Cunningham-Davis, director of primary care transformation from NHS North East London, added: “The completion of this project was the result of successful partnership working between the practice teams, our primary care network, and the London Borough of Waltham Forest.
“This development brings us another step closer to providing residents with fit-for-purpose healthcare buildings that will support the wider transformation of the local health and care system in order to improve patient experiences and health outcomes.”
