Work begins on new outpatient hospital building

The hospital's director Catherine Farr (C) said the new site would increase outpatient capacity by up to a fifth

A hospital is hoping to expand services and increase its patient care as work on a new building gets underway.

The new facility, dedicated to outpatient appointments and minor treatments, will be an extension of Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet, which is located on Old Wells Road in the Somerset town.

Available to both NHS and private patients who are treated by its Wellsoon private healthcare service, the building is said to include five consulting rooms and a dedicated treatment room for those experiencing age-related macular degeneration.

The hospital's director, Catherine Farr, said the investment was a "major step forward" for its patients and the community.

"By creating a dedicated space for outpatient care and minor procedures, we're not only making the patient experience more comfortable, but also increasing outpatient capacity by up to a fifth," she added.

By moving outpatient appointments to the new building, the hospital said it would free up theatres for more orthopaedic surgeries such as hip and knee replacements.

A second procedure room will also be available for patients who need a variety of services, including gynaecology, urology and varicose vein procedures.

Radiology manager and project lead for the new development Rachel Harwood said: "This new centre will allow us to treat people more quickly and in a more relaxed setting.

"It also gives us room to grow important services like gynaecology and minor orthopaedics, while supporting innovation such as new physiotherapy techniques," she added.

The centre is expected to welcome its first patients by late November.