A CEREMONY to cut the first turf launched work on a new £5m health centre, which is expecxted to be opened in around a year’s time.

The purpose-built new facility to house two doctors’ practices is being built on Cinderford’s Valley Road to replace the town’s existing health centre, which houses both Dockham Road Surgery and Forest Health Care.

The turf cutting was attended by representatives from the two practices, the NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, specialist development company Assura and construction company Speller Metcalfe.

The new building will be built to “modern, environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art specifications”, which include 20 multi-purpose consulting rooms, nurse treatment areas and first-rate facilities for reception and administration staff, making it a “great environment for both patients and staff.”

It will also have a number of features which make it a welcoming environment for people living with dementia and those with disabilities.

Dr Ingalill Sandys, a GP at Dockham Road Surgery, said: “We are delighted and really excited that work on our contemporary, new health centre is getting underway.

“Our current premises no longer meet modern healthcare standards, and with a growing population, we desperately need this new health centre to ensure we can continue to provide high quality services for years to come.

“We have put a lot of thought into creating an attractive building and surrounding environment which will be welcoming to all our patients, including those with dementia.”

Dr Deborah Lane, a GP at Forest Health Care, added: “This is great news for our patients and staff.

“The new building will help us to meet the ever-increasing health and care needs of our patients and offer a broader range of services to patients.

“We have placed a real focus on ensuring that the building and staff can really support people living with dementia.

“For example, people with dementia can find it difficult to read everyday signs and may require help to find their way around,” she added. “We will have signs that include symbols and pictures, which can be easier for people to understand.”

Director of Primary Care at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, Helen Goodey, said: “This development will be great for the local area, and will mean that patients can benefit from modern facilities that support the provision of high quality care. We are really pleased to see the start of work on site.”