A Norfolk surgery has reopened following an extensive refurbishment to provide visiting patients with a better experience.

Gavin Alston, from fundraising body the Friends of Attleborough Surgery, was on hand to relaunch the Station Road surgery following a refurbishment to provide better reception and waiting areas, as well as improved dispensary services for the surgery's 17,500 patients.

The Friends group, which is the main fundraising organisation for the surgery, raised �46,000 for the work, while the NHS Norfolk and Waveney care provider also provided a grant to bring the total to �113,000.

Dr Alistair Martin, a senior partner at the practice, said parts of the building had become dated through wear and tear as the surgery had been running for 32 years. He said: 'It is to improve the patient experience when they come into the surgery. It is a lighter and more pleasing environment and the building now has upgraded facilities.

'The idea behind the changes was to make the building more efficient.

'It has been running for 32 years and in that time has not had any changes to give it a fresh look and to improve the services to the patients.'

The refurbishments were carried out by contractor Draper Nicholls during a three month period which started at the beginning of January.

However, the surgery did not have to close while the work was being carried out and services were moved to a smaller room at the back of the building. Mr Martin said improvements were made to both the disabled and public toilets while an enlarged dispensary was also created to make it more efficient and quicker for patients to collect medications.

An open plan reception area was also created with a low level counter to improve access for wheelchair users, while the waiting area was upgraded with new seating and a water cooler.

Hearing loop systems were also installed at the reception and dispensary to provide better communication with patients.

Mr Martin added: 'We thank our patients for their forbearance while the refurbishment work was taking place.'

dominic.bareham2@archant.co.uk