A new GP surgery in Hatfield that will improve access to services for local patients is set to open in the coming months after the lease was completed between the local NHS and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.
Hatfield Rise Surgery at Ridge House, part of the Hatfield Rise development in High View, will replace Wrafton House Surgery’s current branch surgery in nearby Northdown Road and is expected to open in spring/summer. Able to accommodate more patients, it will help to meet the rising demand for healthcare in Hatfield as its population grows.
The new surgery will provide much-improved facilities including three clinic rooms – two more than it has now – that will allow the practice to provide up to 12,000 additional appointments. This will help to reduce waiting times for existing patients and allow the practice to accept new patients.
The new ground-floor surgery will be fully accessible and will further improve patients’ access to care.
NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board is funding work to fit out the new premises and has worked with the council to deliver the new surgery in Ridge House.
Dr Ashish Shah, GP partner at Wrafton House Surgery, said:
“The completion of the lease for Hatfield Rise Surgery is a significant milestone for our practice and for the Hatfield community. It marks the transition from planning to delivery and brings us a step closer to providing modern, purpose-built facilities that will enhance patient care, improve access to services, and support the long-term healthcare needs of the area. We are grateful to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and our NHS partners for their continued collaboration in making this project a reality.”
Hatfield Rise Surgery will be in addition to the main Wrafton House Surgery premises in Wellfield Road, Hatfield.
Councillor Rose Grewal, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Planning, said:
“This new GP surgery is a major milestone for Hatfield and a real investment in the wellbeing of our community. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work closely with our NHS partners to deliver this much-improved, fully accessible facility at Ridge House.
“With additional clinic rooms, significantly expanded capacity, and improved patient access, this development will support thousands of local people for years to come. I would like to thank council officers and colleagues at the NHS for their hard work on this project and to acknowledge the important financial contribution from Lovell Homes secured through the planning process, which has helped make this improvement possible as part of our £45 million regeneration of Hatfield Rise in High View.”
The new healthcare facility is part of Hatfield Rise, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s £45 million regeneration of High View with Lovell Homes, which has also delivered new homes – including 37 affordable units – revitalised public spaces, including a new play area, and provided a neighbourhood centre occupied by a variety of local businesses.