Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet has expanded its facilities with the opening of a new purpose-built outpatient unit, strengthening local healthcare provision and increasing capacity to meet growing demand across Somerset.
The new Mendip Unit, located in the grounds of the hospital was formally opened by Chief Executive Ross Dowsett and Hospital Director Catherine Farr alongside Shepton Mallet councillors Cllr David Crisfield and Cllr Jane Nicklin.
“By creating an additional patient-focused space…we can treat more patients more efficiently, while freeing up theatres for increased elective surgeries.”
Ross Dowsett, Chief Executive
The milestone event was attended by representatives from construction partner Premier Modular, healthcare colleagues from Practice Plus Group, and patients past and present. Guests were invited to tour the building following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, seeing first-hand the modern environment designed to support efficient, high-quality care.
The innovative modular build provides a practical and sustainable way to expand NHS capacity while enhancing patient experience and boosting on-site capacity.
The project began during the hospital’s 20th anniversary year in 2025 and marks phase one of a broader modernisation programme that will support healthcare delivery in the region for decades to come.
By relocating outpatient appointments and minor procedures into the new unit, existing operating theatres within the main hospital are now able to focus on more complex elective surgeries, including hip and knee replacements. This improves patient flow and enables more timely treatment for both NHS patients and those choosing Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group.
Inside the Mendip Unit are four consulting rooms and two fully equipped procedure rooms which comprise of a dedicated minor theatre, expanded outpatient space, additional consultant-led clinical rooms and a private consulting suite. The layout has been carefully designed to create a calm, welcoming setting for appointments and minor treatments.
Services delivered from the unit span a wide range of specialties, including Wet AMD (age-related macular degeneration) treatment – supported by a dedicated room providing faster access to sight-saving care – as well as oculoplastics, urology, ENT, gynaecology and orthopaedics. Varicose vein treatments and day-case procedures such as vasectomy, carpal tunnel and trigger finger release are also available, improving access to consultant-led care locally.
“It is great to see it up and running for the benefit of patients that are local to Shepton Mallet.”
Cllr Jane Nicklin, Shepton Mallet ward
The centre further enhances orthopaedic pain management, offering joint injections and other pain therapies, alongside expanded physiotherapy services. Minor keyhole orthopaedic procedures will also be carried out by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Alison Edwards, giving patients less invasive options closer to home.
Ross Dowsett, Chief Executive, Practice Plus Group, said: “The opening of our new dedicated Mendip Unit in Shepton Mallet is a major step forward for the hospital and healthcare in Somerset. By creating an additional modern, patient-focused space for both NHS and private outpatient care and minor procedures, we can treat more patients more efficiently, while freeing up theatres for increased elective surgeries like hip and knee replacements. This is an investment in our community, our colleagues and the future of healthcare locally.”
Cllr Jane Nicklin, Shepton Mallet ward, added: “It’s fantastic to see that Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet have been able to expand their facilities by thinking creatively about how they can increase the space that they work in. It is great to see it up and running for the benefit of patients that are local to Shepton Mallet. We are truly pleased that this is happening.”
NHS patients can ask their GP for a referral to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet. Private patients can book consultations directly via Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group.
