A brand-new state-of-the-art GP surgery and pharmacy on the Hanborough Gate housing development at the edge of Long Hanborough opened its doors to patients this week.

Approximately twice the size of the old Long Hanborough Surgery, which it replaces, it has six consulting rooms and a number of treatment rooms.

It also features a pharmacy on the ground floor with a state-of-the-art ‘robot’ to dispense medication efficiently.

The complex was built using energy-efficient construction methods and includes modern offices and facilities for the staff, as well as a meeting room and ample outside parking for patients.

“The new surgery and pharmacy is significantly larger than our former site and has been designed to provide patients with a much better overall experience,” said Dr Neil Rust, from the Eynsham Medical Group.

“The additional space, consulting and treatment rooms, along with the automated dispensing services, new office space and meeting room will allow us to treat more patients, more quickly and in much more welcoming surroundings,” he added.

Managing director of developer Pye Homes Blenheim Graham Flint said: “ This is a first for us and we are extremely proud to be working with the NHS to create a modern and welcoming GP surgery.

“The building has a timber frame and features laminated internal beams which dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the construction. It also has a very high rating on the Energy Performance Certificate, just one point off an A rating.”

Architect Rob Fairfield worked closely with GPs from the Eynsham Medical Group during the design and construction process.

To streamline the ongoing Covid vaccination programme, he altered the surgery’s design to allow patients to have their vaccine and leave without having to go through the reception.

The team also had to reinforce the pharmacy floor to accommodate the one-tonne robot, which automates the storage, dispensing, return, restocking and crediting of medications.

The surgery, called Willis Court, forms part of the Hanborough Gate development. A total of 169 homes will be built here by the end of this year by Blenheim Estate Homes. The surgery will be officially opened once lockdown is relaxed.