Healthy new funding deal for Leicester GP practice
A Leicester-based GP practice is expanding its premises and improving its patient experience with the support of a £500,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank.
Following Covid-19, Ibstock & Barlestone Surgeries continued to see an increase in telephone and video appointments and wanted to meet demand without having to sacrifice time spent seeing patients face-to-face.
The business approached Lloyds Bank, securing £500,000 of funding. This allowed for a complete remodel the surgery and add an extension to accommodate 11 new clinical offices, refurbishment of the existing 13 consultation rooms, a modern reception area as well as new state-of-the-art equipment.
Due to the additional rooms and revised layout, Ibstock & Barlestone Surgeries has been able to hire three new GPs and extend its opening hours to include Saturdays. The business has also invested in minor illness training for an existing nurse.
Community groups for up to 20 people can also use the surgery to take part in weight loss support groups, personal training sessions and diabetes support groups. A social prescriber is also available to assist patients who may need non-clinical support such as advice for unemployment, housing and mobility issues.
Actors Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters officially opened the remodel and extension in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Dr Parastou Alizadeh, partner at Ibstock and Barlestone Surgeries, said: “In the past couple of years, we’ve become keenly aware of the need to expand the practice and its offering to meet patient demand in the community, while maintaining a high level of care. The funding support from Lloyds Bank has been fundamental in helping us to achieve this growth.
“The remodel and extension have allowed us to offer our medical and nursing teams more high-quality space to work in, and ultimately improve patient experience. Coupled with the new reception area and investment in staff, we’ve been able to make improvements across the entire business that will serve our local community for years to come.”
Steve Loxton, specialist healthcare relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “We know the positive impact that supporting GPs who invest in their healthcare provision, like Ibstock and Barlestone Surgeries, has on the wider community.
“It’s been a pleasure supporting Parastou and the rest of the partners, and we look forward to seeing the practice continue to grow and support patients with quality healthcare.”
