RESIDENTS of Woodthorpe now have a major new health centre following the opening of a purpose-built GP surgery this week.

York Medical Group is now welcoming patients to the new facility in Moorcroft Road, which replaces the old one which stood on the same site.

Practice partner, Dr Francis Eyre said the new surgery currently served between 4,000 and 5,000 residents with the possibility of taking on more.

He said: “We are really happy that the new Woodthorpe-Dringhouses surgery is now open. We really feel that all the effort that has gone into the project has been worth it.

“It’s the first purpose-built surgery that has been opened in York for a long time. We are very much looking forward to treating our patients here over the coming years.

“The surgery is based right in the heart of the community where we feel it is best placed to deliver the high-quality services we feel our patients deserve.”

Funding for the project came from a combination of the practice’s own funds and Government cash, because the centre is used to teach trainee GPs.

Dr Eyre said: “We have been getting very positive responses from people. The old place had no disabled access and the new building feels like a health centre rather than somebody’s house.”

The group said it now has all the facilities expected of a quality GP practice, including specialist clinics for patients with diabetes and musculoskeletal problems, contraceptive services, evening and weekend appointments and emergency appointments if clinically required.

Anyone wanting more information should visit the surgery at 40 Moorcroft Road, or phone (01904) 706881 or visit the website at yorkmedicalgroup.nhs.uk