Church Street Refurbishment Project 2026

Improving access, capacity & patient comfort

Over the coming months, we’ll be refurbishing our Church Street surgery.  This important investment will improve accessibility, increase clinical capacity and create a more comfortable, inclusive environment for patients and staff.  These changes will help us continue to meet the needs of our growing community now and into the future.

Why We’re Refurbishing

Church Street surgery has served our community well for many years, but its layout reflects how healthcare was delivered decades ago.  Patient need, services and ways of working have evolved significantly and it’s time for our building to evolve too.  

Improving access is central to this project and replacing the current current aluminium entrance doors, which are difficult for wheelchair users, people with mobility aids and families with buggies to navigate, with automatic double doors will make a significant change.  

Funding & Scope

This refurbishment is being made possible through funding from NHS England and financial contribution from the Church Street Partnership. 

Funding from the NHS England Primary Care Utilisation Fund supports many of the improvements designed to increase capacity and enhance patient access.  Alongside this, the partnership is investing substantially to ensure the surgery is modern, welcoming and fit for the future. 

This investment allows us to:

• Reconfigure internal space to create and equip five additional clinical rooms
• Install automatic entrance doors and relocate reception to improve access and flow
• Upgrade waiting area chairs and furnishings
• Refresh décor and upgrade flooring throughout patient areas
• Improve staff working areas to support efficiency, collaboration and safety

What the Refurbishment Means for Patients

The most visible change for patients will be a more accessible and welcoming entrance, including the new automatic doors and relocated reception desk.

Two new accessible consultation and treatment rooms on the ground floor will reduce the need for patients to attend first floor appointments.

We’ve carefully selected interior finishes to create a calm and reassuring environment.  Our Purple Star & Hidden Disabilities approaches will continue to guide how we support patients with both visible and non-visible needs.

(image for illustrative purposes only)

What the Refurbishment Means for Staff

Improved clinical space will enable us to host a wider range of Primary Care Network (PCN) services on site, such as physiotherapy, counselling and dieticians.  These services are arranged by the PCN and availability may vary.

Our new reception desk will enable staff to welcome and support patients from the moment they arrive.  Behind the scenes, essential upgrades to heating, plumbing and lighting systems will improve comfort, reliability and sustainability.

FAQs

Q: Will my appointment be affected?

A:  With careful planning, all core services will be unaffected and we do not expect appointments to be cancelled .  If any changes are required, we will contact affected patients as early as possible. 

Q: Will the practice be open as normal?

A: Yes.  Church Street surgery will remain open throughout the project however some areas may be temporarily closed off and patients may be asked to attend Thorley or Haymeads Health Clinic.   

Q: How Long Will the Refurbishment Take?

A: The project is expected to take around 12-16 weeks.  Work will take place in planned phases to minimise disruption.

Q: Will there be noise disruption?

A: Some noise is unavoidable during building work, but louder tasks will be scheduled to minimise impact wherever possible.

Q: Why can I no longer use the Market Square entrance?

A: The Market Square entrance will become a staff only entrance.  Welcoming patients through a single, fully accessible entrance on Church Street will help us manage safe movement around the building.  The Church Street entrance is a short step-free walk from Market Square via Windhill.

Q: Who can I speak to about the project?

A:  If you have any questions about the refurbishment plans, the surgery or general enquiries, you can email css.managers@nhs.net.

Q: What adjustments are being made for neurodivergent patients or those with additional needs?

A:  We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all patients.  Guided by our project team and initiatives such as the Purple Star scheme, we are incorporating calm colour schemes, adjustable lighting and sensory aware design, where possible.   If you have suggestions, we welcome feedback at css.managers@nhs.net.

Q: Will you keep patients updated on the project progress?

A:  Absolutely.  We will share regular updates on this webpage, text messages when appropriate and signage within the surgery to keep patients informed.

This government funding allows us to increase clinical capacity, upgrade areas of the surgery and prepare for a growing local population. With our patient list currently around 16,500 and expected to rise in the coming years, this refurbishment will help ensure we can continue to care for our community.

Thank you for your patience and support while we improve our surgery

Church Street Partnership