Patients living in Thorpe Astley can now access healthcare closer to home, following the opening of a new GP branch surgery.
Kingsway Surgery has opened the new branch surgery at Thorpe Astley Community Centre.
The opening of the new branch surgery means patients registered at Kingsway Surgery are being offered GP and nurse appointments closer to home.
Kingsway Surgery has nearly 2,000 registered patients that live in Thorpe Astley, who previously had to travel to access healthcare at the main site in Braunstone Town.
The services at Thorpe Astley Branch Surgery are however available to all 10,600 patients registered at Kingsway Surgery.
The new branch surgery is initially open on Mondays and Thursdays, but the practice is hoping to offer more appointments as patient demand grows.
GP appointments and practice nurse clinics are available on Mondays, while a minor surgery clinic will take place on Thursdays.
The modern facility is fully accessible and has disabled parking bays. Parking is also available on site.
The branch surgery has opened following investment from Blaby District Council, Braunstone Town Council, NHS East Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group, and Kingsway Surgery.
Stephen Samson, Practice Manager at Kingsway Surgery: “We are delighted our new branch surgery is now open for patients. This facility means our patients can have their healthcare needs met in a convenient location at the heart of the local community.”
Jamie Barrett, Head of Primary Care at NHS East Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group said: “The opening of this new branch surgery is really positive news for local patients, who can now access medical appointments closer to home.
“This facility is a shining example of NHS and local authority colleagues working collaboratively to meet the needs of local people now, and for years to come in the future.”
John Richardson, Strategic Director at Blaby District Council said: “We are proud to have played a role in ensuring Thorpe Astley Community Centre can host the new GP branch surgery.
“We know residents of the area have been waiting for this moment and the positive work with our partners has meant access to local NHS services is about to commence in the heart of the Thorpe Astley community.”
Kingsway Surgery sought the views of patients before deciding to open the new branch surgery. More than three-quarters of patients said they would benefit from extra space at Thorpe Astley.