West Byfleet, Surrey

The existing 1960's built West Byfleet Health Centre fell well short of providing a facility capable of providing Primary Care in the 21st century on a number of grounds:

• Restricted and outmoded accommodation
• Ageing structure and specification
• Non-DDA compliant
• Inflexible space
• Incapable of extension
• Inefficiency of operation
• Unable to provide for the integration of services

The existing centre was located in the centre of West Byfleet, Surrey.  In an area of competing demands, the search for a suitable new site was restricted.  When it emerged during the search that an existing building (previously used as a minor injuries facility) might be available on a short lease, a decision to redevelop the existing site was made.  Apollo was able to secure the building as a temporary surgery.  The procurement of this accommodation involved works to convert the building to enable the General Practice and PCT clinical space use.  A scheme for the reimbursement of this temporary space was agreed and the healthcare teams moved in for the 18 month redevelopment period of the existing site.

Despite having only 0.6 of an acre on which to build a 3,000 sqm Health Centre for the PCT and 15 GPs (3 Practices), Apollo was able to develop the site by creating undercroft car parking for 69 cars, with the majority of the accommodation organised on upper floors serviced by both lifts and stairs, all compliant in terms of Primary and Social Care design guidance and enabling each Practice to retain its own independence.

 All three Practices have their receptions and waiting facilities feeding off a first floor shared reception facility.  The GPs have a shared Minor Injuries Suite and conference facility at first floor level.  At ground floor level there is a PCT clinical facility that includes Treatment Rooms, Audiology/Speech Therapy Room, Health Education Room and Chiropody.  A pharmacy is also located at ground floor level. 

The scheme made the best use of a tight site, but enable Primary Care services to remain in an accessible location. The existing site now has a Health Centre for the 21st Century.