Ref. 28221-04A medical practice, hailed as one of the most innovative in the country, is a step closer to a new centre.
Doctors and staff at Taw Hill Medical Practice, in North Swindon, celebrated as work started on the new surgery with the traditional turning of the first turf.
The new complex, which is due to open in September 2004, will comprise ten consulting rooms, two operating theatres and three treatment rooms.
The facilities will enable Swindon GPs to refer patients to Taw Hill for minor surgery, vasectomies and dermatology treatment.
The practice will provide a home for the Swindon Sanctuary, a forensic medical centre for victims of rape and sexual assault. It will also house the Great Western Laser Unit.
It will cater for up to 15,000 people half the population of North Swindon.
Swindon MPs have welcomed the new surgery. Michael Wills, the MP for North Swindon, said: "This is one of the most innovative medical practices in the country, dedicated to constant improvement of services for patients."
Dr Peter Crouch, from the practice, said: "This is the third and final building for the practice. One of the disadvantages of setting up on a new housing estate is the need to move location and to grow quickly, in pace with the housing development."
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