A GP SURGERY in east Durham is carrying out an extensive refurbishment which will bring two practices into one building.

Long-standing GP surgery, the Shinwell Medical Centre, based on Fourth Street, Horden, is being renovated to offer patients and staff improved surroundings thanks to a £1.4 million loan from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

The bank’s investment will also see the Shinwell Medical Centre add an extension onto its premises to enable the Horden Group Practice, previously based on Sunderland Road, to move into the property.

The new Shinwell Medical Group building will open in October, where both practices will continue to operate independently.

As a result of the redevelopment, the number of patients the premises will be able to serve will increase by 7,000, bringing the combined patient list to 14,000.

The new practice will also be used as a training centre for junior doctors looking to pursue a career in general practice.

The loan from the bank is the latest deal in what has been a long-standing relationship with the Chandy family, who own and manage the Shinwell Medical Group.

Joseph Chandy, practice manager and partner at the Shinwell Medical Group, said: “The redevelopment of the practice will enable us to create a welcoming environment for our patients and allow us to accommodate the Horden Group Practice.

“Patients and staff have been using outdated facilities, so we’re pleased to be able to provide a new and modern setting for both practices.”