AN exciting vision of how a vital community facility in Millom will be transformed into a state-of-the-art health hub has been revealed.

Millom GP surgery has unveiled plans for its new-look premises that will see the construction of new treatment rooms, a new reception area and better access for disabled and able-bodied people alike.

People across the town have welcomed the moves, which have been sent to Copeland Borough Council to be approved.

The plans have been welcomed by health leaders across the Morecambe Bay area who believe it signals a bright future for health care in Millom.

Alison Redshaw , practice manager at Waterloo House GP Surgery, said: “We are extremely pleased that the plans have been submitted for the GP surgery extension. The developments will mean that our GP s and practice team will have access to more space to deliver care to our patients.”

“I would like to say a big thank you to the practice team for their patience and continuously providing a full service to the community in the limited space available. Once plans have been approved the new extension will benefit everyone in the community.”

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Once planning permission is obtained, work will begin to appoint a contractor in the hopes of beginning construction in 2017.

According to the plans, the work will include the demolition of the existing ambulance station to make room for a new extension.

This extension will be used to create four new treatment rooms, an improved reception and waiting area, a new learning space for training and updated ambulance office accommodation and facilities, alongside additional parking and improved disabled access and facilities.

The project has come to light after the Millom Alliance applied for funding from NHS England.

Although the group is still waiting for final approval for the funds, health boss Dr John Howarth believes the project is moving in the right direction.

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Dr Howarth, director of service improvement and interim deputy chief executive at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Although we are still waiting for final approval for the funds to be released, seeing the plans for the extension being submitted is another step on the journey to improving the health and wellbeing locally in Millom ."

Dr Paul Grout, deputy medical director at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, added: “This is going to be an amazing, new, purpose-built facility for the people of Millom, which will bring them into line with modern GP practices.”