A GPs practice is reassuring patients that their much-loved health centre is here to stay – and will continue as the busy, friendly surgery they are used to.

Pensilva Health Centre merged with Liskeard Oak Tree Surgery in January 2018 when the two reached an agreement that Oak Tree would take over the running of the Pensilva practice.

Now, a refurbishment for Pensilva is planned that will see the existing reception area moved into the waiting room, creating a more welcoming and open environment for patients, while offering up extra space for the support and dispensary teams. A new admin space will be created in the back office.

“We will be creating a purpose-built, sectioned-off, newly-

refurnished reception area with a new desk suitable for patients

requiring disabled access,” said a practice spokesperson.

“The current waiting area will be fully redecorated and modernised, and the whole area will be given a fresh coat of paint and will feel a lot warmer and brighter. We’ve even updated the space for children with some funky new furniture.”

The work is being funded by the Friends of Pensilva Health Centre and is expected to take four to five weeks.

“We know a lot of our Pensilva patients have had some concerns regarding the future of their much- loved health centre,” the practice spokesperson said.

“Our intention has always been to keep Pensilva as the busy, friendly, welcoming surgery it has always been. We are therefore very excited to share the news of the improvement works. We hope the work will improve upon the already fantastic service provided to our Pensilva patients.”

Meanwhile, there will now be one practice website to cover both the Oak Tree and Pensilva surgeries.

“The new site is a lot more interactive and user-friendly,” said a practice spokesperson, “and patients will have access to new features such as contacting staff here at the surgery, booking appointments, requesting sick certificates and medical reports, and patient feedback.

“In our virtual wellbeing centre, you will find a wealth of online information on topics such as caring, smoking cessation, weight management, sexual health, and cancer support.”

The new website can be found at www.oaktreesurgeryand

pensilvahc.co.uk