Sidmouth Hospiscare has revealed its plans to turn the old Sidford Surgery into a new base and day centre to meet growing demand for its services.

Sidmouth Herald: First look at Sidmouth Hospiscare's plans for the old Sidford Surgery, including an extension to create a day room.First look at Sidmouth Hospiscare's plans for the old Sidford Surgery, including an extension to create a day room. (Image: Archant)

The charity has given the Herald a first-look at the proposals, which include the creation of a day centre to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of patients and respite for carers.

Trustees purchased the old surgery in an eleventh-hour deal last year from developers who had planned to demolish it to make way for six new homes.

Now, after months of discussions, the charity is prepared to showcase its proposals and is inviting residents to have their say on Monday evening before they are submitted for planning approval.

Dr Gill Ryall, CEO of Sidmouth Hospiscare, said: “For almost 35 years Sidmouth Hospiscare has been offering care and support to people in the Sid Valley with life-limiting illnesses, and to their carers and families. The demand for these services is expected to increase significantly over the coming years and we need a larger premises to enable us to develop our services to help meet this increasing demand.

Sidmouth Herald: First look at Sidmouth Hospiscare's plans for the old Sidford Surgery, including an extension to create a day room.First look at Sidmouth Hospiscare's plans for the old Sidford Surgery, including an extension to create a day room. (Image: Archant)

“The plans are now at a stage that should enable us to meet our increasing needs for many years and we would like to share them with the people of the Sid Valley before submitting them for planning permission.”

The Church Street premises will also allow the charity to expand its nursing and volunteer services to support residents living with life-limiting illnesses and a proposed extension would be used for the day centre. The day centre would include a large day room with eating area, quiet area and activity area. Users would also be able to benefit from complementary therapy rooms, a therapeutic bath, nurse clinic, counselling rooms and space for carers group meetings and for education sessions.

Dr Ryall added: “We have also been discussing the potential needs of some other related organisations to consider how the facilities could be used by the wider health and care community in the Sid Valley, as well as considering how we could involve the wider community in the development of the facilities.”

Attendees will be able to talk to the architects, Dr Ryall and charity trustees at Sidford Surgery between 4pm and 6.30pm on Monday, May 21.

See more of the plans at www.sidmouthherald.co.uk