Shepton Mallet Hospital has officially commenced construction on an exciting new modular building as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. This bespoke extension to the Practice Plus Group Hospital represents the first phase of a comprehensive upgrade designed to expand services and improve patient care.
Upon completion, the facility will feature five consulting rooms and two fully equipped procedure rooms, providing a dedicated space for minor treatments and outpatient appointments. This separation from the main hospital building will serve both NHS patients and those using the Wellsoon private healthcare service, including self-pay and insured individuals.
By relocating these outpatient services, the hospital will free up operating theatres to increase orthopaedic surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, by approximately 20% by Christmas. This development promises to enhance patient throughput and reduce waiting times for surgeries.
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The new centre will offer multiple benefits including a specialised treatment room for Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), allowing faster access to essential sight-saving care. Additionally, the second procedure room will support a variety of treatments across urology, ENT, gynaecology, orthopaedics, and varicose vein interventions.
Patients using the Wellsoon private healthcare service will also gain access to expanded non-surgical joint management options like joint injections and pain therapies. A newly introduced physiotherapy unit will bring advanced treatments such as shockwave therapy and ultrasound, supporting faster recovery.
Moreover, the facility will enable consultant orthopaedic surgeon Alison Edwards to perform minor keyhole surgeries locally on conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger. These minimally invasive procedures promise quicker, more comfortable care without the need for full operating theatre resources.
Catherine Farr, Hospital Director, stated, “Our new patient treatment centre is a significant advancement for Shepton Mallet Hospital. Creating a dedicated space for outpatient care and minor procedures enhances patient comfort and increases our outpatient capacity by up to 20%. This is not just an investment in infrastructure, but in the future health of our community, marking the beginning of a wider modernisation plan for the next two decades.”
Rachel Harwood, Project Lead and Radiology Manager, added, “We identified a clear need for additional space to maintain the high quality of care our patients deserve. Many treatments don’t require operating theatres, and this new centre allows us to treat patients swiftly in a relaxed environment. It also facilitates the growth of essential services and supports new physiotherapy innovations. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”
The facility is set to open its doors and welcome patients by late November 2025.