25th February 2025
Patients at Old Mill Surgery in Newtownards will now benefit from an expanded Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) model, providing access to physiotherapy, mental health practitioners, social workers, and traditional GP services. This improvement follows a £0.9 million investment aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the local community.
The extension, completed in February 2024, was funded through the Department of Health’s (DoH) Primary Care Infrastructure Development Programme in partnership with the Southeastern Health and Social Care Trust.
The additional space was crucial, as Old Mill Surgery had been operating at full capacity and it means the premises are now equipped to accommodate Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) services, when these are rolled out.
Dr Richard Neely, a GP at Old Mill Surgery, welcomed the expansion, “The extension to our premises is excellent. It is modern, bright, and aesthetically pleasing, with well-designed clinical rooms and an improved hub for desktops. The investment has significantly increased capacity, and the benefits far outweigh the disruption during construction.”
The practice’s treatment room nurses also highlighted the enhanced accessibility, “the new entrance and waiting area are bright, airy, and modern. The space is wheelchair-friendly, with dedicated parking for families and disabled patients.”
This investment is a positive step in future-proofing GP services within the Ards GP Federation area, ensuring the local community continues to have access to high-quality healthcare in a modern, purpose-built setting.