Porter Brook Medical Centre expands to serve more patients

A GP surgery that serves about 30,000 patients in Sheffield has expanded its services.

Porter Brook Medical Centre in Sharrow, which is rated as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, has increased the number of treatment rooms as part of its expansion project.

The scheme was part-funded by NHS England and has taken seven years to complete.

A spokesperson for the surgery said the extra space also meant staff could work with groups and voluntary organisations to help people stay healthy.

Following the development, the practice now has 20 treatment and clinical areas, which will enable it to see even more patients, a spokesperson said.

About half of the people registered with the practice are students.

Alongside the clinical team, the practice also employs social prescribers, who help patients with issues such as poor housing, food poverty and isolation.

Alex Thompson, lead social prescriber at the site, said the expansion meant there would be space to host community activities, such as Tai Chi classes.

Tom Hewitt, business and network manager, said: “One thing we are really proud of is how we try to help people to help themselves.

“Holistic care is something we’ve always been keen on.”