FINAL plans have been unveiled for an extension and refurbishment of a medical group’s practice to transform it into a village health centre.

Staff at Shinwell Medical Group in Fourth Street at Horden plans to extend their general practice surgery, so it can accommodate all other GPs in the village.

Patients, including BBC Radio Tees broadcaster Paul “Goffy” Gough, were invited to view changes to the original plans for the £1m development.

Practice partner manager Joseph Chandy said: “There are three GP practices in Horden.

“We have been developing these plans over the last three years - to move into one premises that will be fit for purpose and operate as a health centre for the whole village.

“It means that every person registered with a doctor in Horden will benefit from excellent premises.

“By moving the practices under one roof, this gives the village of Horden some certainty on the future of general practice provision remaining in the village for some decades to come.”

Mr Chandy, whose father Dr Joseph Chandy joined the practice in 1970 and is a senior partner, said the Horden Group Practice was guaranteed to come under the same roof.

The future of the Jupiter House Practice, however, is subject to ongoing consultation conducted by NHS England.

Mr Chandy said: “We have had to adjust the plans, as a result.

“It means that even if only two practices move in we have provided sufficient capacity, so that if third practice is not longer in service, the patients from there - should they choose - can register with us.”

Mr Chandy added: “Said the new development will offer superb facilities and plenty of space for future expansion of services in the practice.

“There will be first-class treatment rooms for nurses, as well room which can be used for training young doctors to become GPs from this site.

“We will have 16 consulting/treatment rooms in all.”

Mr Chandy said the extension would be in keeping with the current premises that were built in 1988 and went onto to win the Royal Town Planning Award for design.

Durham County Council has granted planning permission for the original plans. The revised plans will be re-submitted.

Subject to final planning permission being granted, it is hoped building work will begin in January and be completed in October 2015.