THE way that healthcare is delivered is changing and the GPs in Crediton have worked hard to consider the best way to adapt to this and to the popularity and growth of Crediton and the surrounding area.

The first change was for the two surgeries in the town to merge, also bringing the Thorverton surgery into the new group, Redlands Primary Care.

Richard Ward, Practice Manager at Redlands Primary Care says that the staff have worked hard to integrate the routines, rotas and timetables, trying to bring the best aspects of each surgery to the new system.

He adds that this has enabled them to get everything running smoothly before the move to the new building on Joseph Locke Way.

Currently the staff, alongside their normal work are now working hard to organise and pack for the move.

Mr Ward explained: “The GP partners are investing in the future by having a new building designed and created to deliver the best and most up-to-date healthcare for the people of the Crediton area.

“They have been delighted that the builders, Kier, have been able to keep close to schedule despite the problems posed by the global Covid pandemic.

“The new building is looking fantastic and the staff who have been to see it are excited to move in. Dr Peter Twomey and Dr Joanna Harris have been leading the team from the start of the project.”

Dr Peter Twomey commented: “We needed a ‘state of the art’, modern building with the capacity to continue to match demand and provide sustainable general practice into the future. It will give us the setting to further develop the multi-disciplinary team so that the right patient gets to the right professional.”

Dr Harris added: “It is really exciting to see our vision take a tangible shape after such a long planning phase.

“Everyone at both practices is being absolutely incredible – it is a very challenging time for everyone in healthcare at the moment anyway and the upheaval of packing and moving has added an additional strain, so we really are asking a lot of our team. We are very lucky to have such dedicated staff. I think we can all see the opportunities that this will bring for the future of healthcare in Crediton.”

One of the advantages of the new building is that there are more bus services to the area and that it is only a short walk from the railway station. Access by road is also improved and there will be bicycle and car parking available.

Those visiting the surgery will be able to enter the building from pathways through a large, automatic door. Within the building access is improved with wide corridors, accessible toilets and a lift to the first floor.

The spacious and light building will enable the staff to offer an increased range of services with improved referral to a multi-disciplinary team.

There is capacity for more doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to keep up with the increasing demands from a growing population and the greater emphasis on caring for people outside of hospitals.

The move will take place between October 11 and 15 and the surgeries are asking their patients to bear with them during the move.

It says that surgery teams will continue to provide healthcare during the move but that it will have reduced capacity for appointments at that time.

The surgery at Thorverton will remain where it is and will help to support the whole community throughout the move.

Mr Ward added: “Your healthcare teams are looking forward to welcoming you to the new setting for healthcare in Crediton.”