The new premises at Ridge House will replace Wrafton House Surgery’s existing branch surgery in nearby Northdown Road. The practice will now engage with its patients on plans to open the branch surgery, which could be by the end of this year.
With a growing population in Hatfield and rising demand for healthcare, the Wrafton House GP practice is under increasing pressure to accommodate more patients.
The new scheme 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.
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “The ICB recognises the importance of making sure that our current and future patients have the access to GP services they need and in modern and accessible premises. Our Estates and Premises team has worked with the local council to deliver the new surgery in Ridge House which has been made possible by the ICB investing local NHS money into fitting out the new premises. This is a really exciting development and shows our shared commitment to delivering the additional capacity needed to serve Hatfield’s growing need for primary care services.”
Councillor Rose Grewal, Executive Member Planning said: “The current surgery in Hatfield is dated and not up to the standards expected for a modern medical facility, so it was essential the money was found for the new surgery which will meet the healthcare needs of local residents for years to come. I know that Council officers and colleagues at the NHS have been working on this project for a number of years so I would like to thank them for their hard work to secure the additional funding needed. Putting our community at the heart of everything that we do is a priority for the Council and as such I am delighted that this development has been able to deliver these new facilities and am grateful for the significant financial contribution made by the developer, Lovell Homes, to local NHS facilities via the S.106 agreement for this site.”
Dr Ashish Shah, GP partner at Wrafton House Surgery said: “This is a hugely positive step forward for our patients and our team. The new surgery will enable us to offer a significantly improved healthcare environment with more space, better facilities, and additional clinical capacity. It means we can see more patients, reduce waiting times, and provide a wider range of services to meet the needs of the growing community. We’re excited about the future and grateful for all the support that has made this possible.”
The new Ridge House premises will be in addition to the main Wrafton House Surgery premises in Wellfield Road, Hatfield.
As well as the new healthcare facility, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s £45 million regeneration of High View with Lovell Homes has delivered new homes – including 37 affordable units – revitalised public spaces, including a new play area, and provided a modern retail parade occupied by a variety of local businesses.