The Brig Royd Surgery in Ripponden has recently completed its biggest transformation since its last move back in the mid 1980's when, on 28 September 2009, Apollo handed the practice the keys to their new building located opposite their former premises in the heart of Ripponden, West Yorkshire.

The surgery opened its doors to patients on 5 October and the pharmacy operated by local pharmacist Ryburn Pharmacy opened on 19 October.  The new building was officially opened by the now retired but former lead GP of the practice, Dr Brian Whitaker, who gave the building his full support and good wishes at the opening event held on 16 October.  The official opening party and celebrations were hosted by the practice who invited all the parties who helped towards creating this state of the art medical facility together with friends, family, patients and colleagues, with live music provided by the locally based Calderdale Big Band.

The new surgery has a feature double height octagonal shaped waiting area with a glass top light.  Hanging within this space is a bespoke piece of art, designed and constructed by local artist, Mark Beeston.  The mobile display symbolises the local Ripponden environment including the river, plants and flowers, each with specific medicinal qualities.

The building itself has nine consulting and training rooms plus four nurse consulting rooms and two treatment rooms, one of which is designed for minor operations.  Integrated within the waiting area is a pharmacy which also relocated from within Ripponden.  At first floor level there is 'hot desk' accommodation for health visitors and district nruses when they are in the area.  The building benefits from underfloor heating which works in conjunction with an Air Source Heat pump to help reduce the building's carbon footprint and lower energy bills.

This project's successful conclusion comes after three years of collaborative work by Apollo Capital Projects, the practice, NHS Calderdale, the local authority and the local building contractor, Southdale Build Solutions.  The 1200m2 building makes a positive contribution to the built environment and provides excellent new premises for the delivery of modern health services for the residents of Ripponden and the surrounding area.

Dr Ben Wyatt, GP partner, said:

"We are so grateful to all involved in the construction of our wonderful building.  We now have the modern facilities that our practice population deserves."