WORK to relocate a Netherton GP practice to a nearby health centre is set to start next week.

Renovation work at Netherton Health Centre is due to begin on Monday (January) with Links Medical Practice expected to move in early April.

Costing around £365,000, the work will transform the health centre in Halesowen Road into a vibrant facility for the two general practices to deliver services to residents, whose views have helped to shape the new plans.

Netherton Health Centre is located approximately 75 metres away from the current Links Medical Practice on the opposite side of the road.

It benefits from more space, car parking, disabled access and is still located within the local area, however feedback following a consultation undertaken by Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) highlighted a number of issues with access from the rear car park and a limited number of disabled parking.

As a result, Dudley CCG has agreed to pay for a new pathway to be created around the perimeter of the health centre to provide easier access from the car park. It will also fund the installation of more disabled parking bays at the front of the building.

Additional funding from the Estates & Technology Transformation Fund has also been allocated to undertake improvement works.

Access to the building will not be affected during the works and disruption will be kept to a minimum for people currently using the services at Netherton Health Centre.

Laura Broster, director of communications for Dudley CCG, said: “I am really grateful for to the people who took time to give us their views on changes to Netherton Health Centre.

"I think the upgraded facility will give a new life to the existing building and benefit patients at both surgeries.

"The feedback on the car park and access was invaluable in securing funding to further improve the building.”

Dr Richard Bramble, GP partner at Links Medical Practice, added: “Moving to the health centre will make a huge difference to our patients – especially those living with disability.

"Patients will have better parking, easy access all on one level, better waiting and comfort facilities and state-of-the-art consultation rooms.

"Our list size is growing and we’re adding an extra consulting room – so patients will still be able to get routine appointments within 48 hours for most conditions.”