Representatives from NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), Bungay Medical Practice, East Suffolk Council, RG Carter Construction and other project partners came together to mark the completion of the £1.2 million extension and refurbishment of Bungay Medical Practice.
The event marked a significant milestone for the community, showcasing the transformation of the practice into a modern, accessible and sustainable healthcare facility for patients, staff and local residents.
The project has been made possible through investment from East Suffolk Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding programme and the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and has been designed to support growing healthcare needs across the area.
During the event, guests toured the new facilities and heard from partners involved in delivering the scheme about the benefits it will bring to patients and the wider community.
The development includes:
- Four additional clinical rooms, including increased clinical accommodation on the ground floor
- A flexible community group room that can also be divided into two separate spaces
- Expanded waiting areas
- Improved changing facilities
- Improved reception facilities with greater privacy for patients
The redesigned practice has created a more welcoming environment for patients while providing the capacity needed to support population growth, accommodate an expanding workforce and deliver a wider range of primary care services closer to home.
Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive at NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said: “This project shows what can be achieved when local government, the NHS and community partners work together around a shared goal.
“The investment from East Suffolk Council has helped create a modern facility that is fit for the future and capable of supporting the growing healthcare needs of the Bungay community.
“This isn’t simply about creating more space. It’s about enabling more services, supporting our workforce and bringing care closer to people’s homes.
“I would like to thank East Suffolk Council, the partners involved in delivering the scheme, and the practice team who continued to provide care throughout the construction programme.”
Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management, said: “Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a contribution from new housing developments which is redistributed to upgrade and improve nearby community facilities, including medical centres, libraries and schools.
“The £1.2m of CIL funding we have provided to Bungay Medical Practice has made this extension and these improvements possible, allowing more local people to receive the healthcare they need in improved modern facilities.”
The practice remained open throughout the construction programme, with patient care maintained and disruption kept to a minimum thanks to the dedication, flexibility and careful planning of practice staff, the project team and contractors.
Rigby Whittaker, Practice Manager and Partner at Bungay Medical Practice, said: “At our practices in Bungay and Southwold, we strive to offer the best possible care for patients and the best place to work for our staff.
“This generous investment from East Suffolk Council and our ever-supportive landlord, the CIO, will help ensure we have the facilities to meet the needs of our local populations for many more years to come.
“I would also like to thank LSI architects and RG Carter for their careful management and efficiency and the ICB team for guiding us through the process.
“And finally, many thanks to our wonderful staff and patients who have been so accommodating and tolerant this past year.”
