Extra rooms + new reception area to doctors surgery

An outdated and increasingly busy doctors surgery needed to expand, to be able to accommodate the growing numbers of patients and staff + comply with the latest regulations. As there was no space on site to fit an extension on, we re-jigged the internal layout to squeeze in an extra 4 clinical rooms + a larger, enhanced reception, waiting area and private interview room. Administration staff were moved into a separate unit of old shops nearby which were converted to form an open plan office for 10 staff + a meeting room for 10 people + a managers office + a staff room + new patient record store. Split into two phases, Phase 1 = old shops conversion + Phase 2 = main surgery upgrades.

We were originally asked to prepare two layout design options, based on client preferences, but we didn’t think these solved the problems that needed to be dealt with. Therefore, we designed a bonus third option, free of charge, which created a much more efficient and pleasant space to use. Our last, unthought of option, was the best one, as it solved the problems and this was chosen.

The brief included creating a ’boutique hotel’ type of main entrance / reception / waiting area to create a nicer user experience. Biophilic / nature design principles have also been incorporated to help create a calm environment that aids anxious visitors.

Upgrading the old building to be fully wheelchair accessible + complying with the latest NHS / CCG infection control standards were incorporated into the design. Not part funded by the NHS but funded by the local authority, under a Section 106 funding agreement, which is a fund put aside to help local communities.