Crown Dale Medical Centre in Norwood, south-east London, is celebrating one year of success following a £3 million refurbishment commissioned by the former Clinical Commissioning Group – now NHS South East London Integrated Care Board – after the previous site was deemed unfit for purpose.
NHS Property Services (NHSPS) subsequently collated a business case seeking approval for the £3 million investment from the Estates and Technology Transformation Fund. Once funding was granted, NHSPS’s construction team designed and delivered the refurbishment, which included extending the site to the side and adding an extra storey.
One year later, the upgrade has ‘unlocked’ an additional 300 appointments per week for the 17,000 registered patients. The centre also provides primary care services including physiotherapy and dietetics, upholding the local Primary Care Network’s Additional Roles and Responsibilities (ARRs,) and supporting the delivery of future workforce plans for primary care.
NHSPS said: “The refurbishment has created a modern environment for patients and staff alike, with an improved reception and new fittings and fixtures addressing accessibility needs – including a new lift and mobility services, and upgraded toilet and baby changing facilities.” A range of services introduced post-opening includes diabetes health coaching, Indian head massages, a gardening club, a health and wellbeing coach, and IT skills sessions. Age UK is delivering a footcare service, and Food for Purpose cooking classes. A warm living room safe space is available for community use,.
The refurbished facility, which has achieved a BREEAM ‘Very good’ energy rating, features photovoltaic panels.
Belinda Cameron, Senior Capital manager for NHSPS, said: “The new Crown Dale Medical Centre has enabled us to work with our customers across the locality, putting them at the heart of plans to transform services. We’ve worked closely with our stakeholders at NHSE/I, the former CCG and the practice, to secure investment and move this project forward, respond to the challenges presented by the pandemic, and complete the programme quickly and efficiently.”
