A Somerset hospital has expanded its facilities in a move set to deliver more appointments for local patients.

The Practice Plus Group Hospital on Bucklers Way in Shepton Mallet officially opened its new 'Mendip Unit' on Thursday, February 19. The purpose-built unit, opposite the main entrance and close to Shepton Mallet Community Hospital, will increase outpatient and minor procedure capacity.

Construction began in September 2025 and took around 12 weeks to complete. The project forms part of the hospital's 20th anniversary year.

Hospital director Catherine Farr and chief executive Ross Dowsett led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by town councillors David Crisfield and Jane Nicklin.

The new Mendip Unit features four consulting rooms, two fully equipped procedure rooms, a dedicated minor theatre, expanded outpatient space, additional consultant-led clinical rooms and a private consulting suite.

Services delivered on site include treatment for age-related macular degeneration, oculoplastics, urology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), gynaecology and orthopaedics. Varicose vein treatments and day-case procedures such as vasectomy, carpal tunnel and trigger finger release are also available.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Farr said the expansion would allow more patients across eastern Somerset to be treated in an outpatient setting rather than in operating theatres.

"This will give Somerset patients the ability to access outpatient services more quickly, in a much more up-to-date and modernised environment," she said.

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"We will be able to treat more patients in an outpatients environment rather than taking them into theatres, reducing their wait significantly."

Mr Dowsett said the leadership team had identified capacity pressures on the site.

"While it is a small site, the depth of what it does for us in allowing patients to be seen in a non-theatre setting is a fundamental shift in the patient pathway," he said.

Around 85 per cent of patients treated in the new unit are expected to be NHS patients, with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust commissioning procedures to ease pressure on its acute hospitals in Taunton and Yeovil. The remaining 15 per cent will be private patients, either insured or self-funding.

By moving outpatient appointments and minor procedures into the new building, existing theatres in the main hospital can focus on more complex elective surgery, including hip and knee replacements.

Ms Farr said clinics would now run over six days a week, with extended opening hours aimed at improving access for working patients.

NHS patients can request a referral from their GP. Private patients can book consultations via the Practice Plus Group website.

Councillor Jane Nicklin, who represents the Shepton West ward, said the expansion was "fantastic" for the town.

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"It is great to see it up and running for the benefit of patients that are local to Shepton Mallet," she said.

Reporting: Daniel Mumby/LDRS

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