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Doctors at the Tonbridge Medical Group have a brand new medical centre to work in.
Construction of the town's new primary care centre in River Lawn, Tonbridge, was completed in December and the doctors and nursing staff have now moved in.
The centre has a range of consulting and treatment rooms, a self-contained minor procedures and treatment suite, a pharmacy and an ambulance bay. It replaces the group's former surgeries in Pembury Road and Higham Lane.
As well as offering better patient facilities, the centre is less reliant on fossil fuels, generating much of its own power via solar panels on the roof and using measures such as air-source heat pumps to help reduce energy usage and running costs.
The senior partner, Dr Tim Palmer, said: "We’re all really excited to be working, finally from our new building.
"It has been a long process but the finished centre is more than worth the wait – and at this time especially, it's a real milestone to be moving to a building which is now fit for the future of local healthcare beyond the pandemic."
Work had begun in June, 2019.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council provided the land for the centre.
Council leader Nicolas Heslop said: "After many years of seeking opportunities to bring a new state-of-the-art medical centre to Tonbridge, I am delighted that the Tonbridge Medical Group now has a high quality facility right in the town centre.
"I am especially pleased that the borough was able to play its part by releasing the land that has helped realise this ambition."
The MP for Tonbridge and Malling, Tom Tugendhat, said: "We have seen in this last year more than ever the role that all healthcare staff play to keep us safe.
"It is fitting that at the end of 2020, Tonbridge Medical Group has a brand new facility to use."
The centre was built by Folkestone-based contractor Jenner and funded by specialist primary care property company Assura, which will be the building’s long-term owner.
Assura's development manager, Sam Callow, said: "The pandemic has shown us, having the right facilities for more care, diagnosis and treatment closer to home and away from hospital has never been more important.”
