MP opens new Buxted surgery

Wealden MP Charles Hendry officially opened the new Buxted Medical Centre on Saturday, May 19.

The purpose-built, eco-friendly centre, opposite the railway station replaces the old surgery at April Cottage which looked after patients for more than 20 years.

A satellite to the Buxted surgery is also being built at East Hoathly which should be ready to open during the summer.

The new Buxted Medical Centre serves more than 9,000 patients and there is space to offer more services than previously, such as minor operations. Patients will also be able to order prescriptions on line.

Enormous expansion

There is a well-equipped dispensary which will continue to serve many local care and nursing homes and provide free medication deliveries to hundreds of patients.

Senior partner Dr David Wright said: "We are thrilled that the work is now complete. The last few years have seen enormous expansion in our patient base and we now have first-class facilities from which to provide the best possible care. The new centre really enhances the experience patients have when they visit us."

Much-needed parking space is available, disabled access is provided and the there is penthouse accommodation in the rotunda for two species of bats made homeless when the former boys' club on the site was demolished.

Space for wildlife

Pipistrelle Bat boxes are located behind the new timber cladding in the eaves of the two-storey western block, while two lofts for Long Eared Bats, which need a larger space to ‘warm up’ in before they emerge to hunt, are accommodated in the rotunda and in the east end roof void to the western block.

On the south-west corner of the grounds, separated by a post and rail fence, a new environment has been created for common lizards and slow worms, also found on the site, to ensure their protection.

Thanks to Ron Hill for sending us pictures of the unveiling of the plaque above and of the opening. Thanks too to David Anderson who sent alternative views, the bottom two photographs, taken as he watched the ceremony.

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