PLANS are being put in place to relocate a Netherton GP surgery to a nearby health centre.

Links Medical Practice is on the move as the current surgery in Halesowen Road is deemed to be "very limited" for the number of patients who are seen there.

Partners were also concerned about the lack of parking facilities and the difficulties patients with mobility problems faced due to the layout of the building and steep stairs.

The practice worked with Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to find a solution and concluded that Netherton Health Centre not only had the space to accommodate the surgery but also had car parking and disabled access.

Structural work is due to start at the centre, which is approximately 75 metres away from the current practice on the opposite side of the road, next month and is expected to be complete by June.

Dr Richard Bramble, GP partner at Links, said: "We are really excited about the move as this will enable us to provide better services to our patients. In the last few years we have been growing fast but we currently only have two downstairs consulting rooms.

"Relocating will give us four rooms, extra waiting space and a confidential reception area.

"Our treatment room will be kitted out for minor surgery and other procedures so that we can offer more to our patients."

Steve Wellings, the chairman of primary care commissioning for Dudley CCG, added:“We are extremely pleased that the plans have been submitted for the GP surgery relocation. The developments will mean that GPs and practice staff at Links will have access to more space to deliver treatment and care from facilities which are suitable for local people and meet high clinical standards.

"We would like to reassure patients that both practices will retain their own identity and their usual and familiar staff, including GPs.

"Patients will be able to ring and make appointments as normal, there will simply be two practices operating from one building going forward.”

A drop-in session will take place at the health centre on Friday (January 20), between 9am and 1pm, for patients registered at both practices to learn more about the plans.