Assura : Building work begins for new Sutton medical centre

The building of a new GP surgery which will serve more than 6,000 patients in Sutton has officially begun on the site of the former Henderson Hospital.

The development will see a new primary care building to replace the existing premises of Benhill and Belmont Practice branch surgery.

The new two-storey building will be built on the historical site and will create modern, purpose-built space so that the practice can meet the needs of the growing local population and offer patients a wider range of primary care services after outgrowing its existing premises.

There is a rich history to the Henderson Hospital which opened just after World War Two as a rehabilitation unit for soldiers. It was renamed the Henderson Hospital in 1959, after the Scottish psychiatrist and author, Professor Sir David Henderson.

Dr Jeffrey Croucher, GP Partner based at the Belmont Surgery, said: 'We are delighted that work on the development of the new building has now started. Primary Care constantly needs to adapt to the changing needs of our patients and staff. We are really looking forward to be providing the best possible care from this new building in the future.'

The new building will provide improved access to some diagnostic services such as phlebotomy, improved capacity for outpatient consultations and follow ups, a safe space for minor procedures, opportunities for integrated working with community healthcare teams and a closer working relationship between primary care and pharmacy clinicians.

Will Fogden, our Development Manager, said: 'We are delighted that work has started on site and we can't wait to see the impact it has on the local community. The pandemic has placed a great emphasis on the importance of primary care and has shown the significant impact premises have on the level of care available. This build will be a major asset to the area and we cannot wait to deliver the finished project.'