WEST MEON surgery is now owned by the doctors, who have announced it is to be made bigger and will accommodate more services.

The premises in Doctors Lane are now owned by partners Dr Emma Harris and Dr James Botham, thanks to a mortgage funding package from The Royal Bank of Scotland worth more than £400,000.

The surgery will receive some structural and cosmetic changes, which will create more clinical space, allowing for additional GP and clinical provision.

Currently, the surgery operates with three GPs, supported by two nurses and a healthcare assistant, and operates a prescriptions dispensary.

The improvements will allow this care to continue and will enhance the overall look and feel of the surgery with changes to include improved access to the building for disabled patients, said Dr Harris.

She added: “We are located in a rural setting so securing the future of this surgery is crucial for the local community.

“The purchase and refurbishment programme is a really positive step for all involved and we are very grateful for the security and support of the bank.”

Bank spokesman Sandeep Sesodia said: “The GP’s at the surgery have taken the next step towards helping their business grow and we look forward to seeing the finished look as it evolves over the next six months.”

The surgery has 2,500 patients, and is appealing for more of them to join a patient participation group(PPG).

This will give patients a voice on local health matters, and enable them to raise items of interest or concerns.

PPG members will be asked to answer occasional surveys on issues such as opening times or the quality of the care or service. Dr Harris said PPG members will be contacted by e-mail and the surveys will be short.

Patients of all ages, registered with the surgery and happy to join the group should complete the on-line form or collect a form from reception. For more details, contact the surgery on 01730 829666.