Adam LazzariA GP surgery in north west Norfolk is set to re-open following an �800,000 refurbishment and expansion, which has effectively seen the building turned around 180 degrees.Adam Lazzari

A GP surgery in north west Norfolk is set to re-open following an �800,000 refurbishment and expansion, which has effectively seen the building turned around 180 degrees.

Bayfield Surgery, in Docking, near Fakenham, had become unsuitable and due to insufficient seating in the waiting room, patients had to sometimes stand or wait in their cars.

Access was difficult and the surgery, which has 2,400 patients on its list, had only two GP consulting rooms and one nurses's room.

This was becoming a growing problem, with the population increasing and the practice also being used for GP training.

The revamped surgery, which opens on September 6, will boast five consulting rooms, two treatment rooms, a bigger reception area and a modern dispensary and car park.

The surgery has been expanded from the rear following the purchase of farm land and the entrance has been moved to another position.

Practice manager Barry White said: 'The modernisation and transformation of the surgery has been dramatic. We have invested a lot of time, energy and money into bringing the surgery into the 21st century and the changes made to every part of the building make us very proud of our achievement.

'The partners of the practice and I have been planning the renovation to the building, which was originally built in 1982, for some time in order to accommodate additional patients and services, and to offer improved facilities. Both patients and staff will benefit enormously from having a modern surgery.'

A new access road has been built, leading to the surgery off the High Street and lighted footpaths have been created.

There will be automatic doors and modern toilet facilities to benefit patients with disabilities, a conference room, improved GP training facilities and a modern staff room.

Building work started in January as part of the National GP Upgrade Programme - a fund aimed at increasing and improving GP training.

An investment of �400,000 by the practice partners was matched by NHS Norfolk.

NHS Norfolk's estates project manager Keith Shilton said: 'The modernisation to Bayfield Surgery, Docking, brings it in-line with current guidelines in terms of privacy, making it light, roomy and environmentally friendly.'

Until the re-opening, the practice will continue to operate from its temporary site at USC Chosely House, in Docking, where it has been based throughout the renovation.

Bayfield Surgery is a branch of the main surgery at Great Massingham.