Riverview

Designed by P+HS Architects, developed by Ettrick Ltd and constructed by Weatherhead Construction Limited, the new Riverview Health Centre brings together three existing GP practices, The Pegasi Practice, Dr Nathan and Dr Bhate. The Centre also includes a community clinic, operated by the Primary Care Trust (PCT) and a dispensing pharmacy.

The design creates an environment that promotes healing from the outset with light, bright and colourful features. The Centre is naturally lit and ventilated, with only stores and infrequently used rooms situated within the central core. The building is contemporary in style, providing an attractive addition to the area and creating a building which respects both staff and users.

By liaising with the future building users, P+HS explored how the building can assist them to best deliver their services. From these findings the design has provided accommodation where the majority of services are at ground level, enabling easy access to clinical services. Each practice can have its own identity and be self-contained, although the large, double height, central waiting area serves to unify the various users.

Services which require immediate access for short appointments, for example, GP surgeries are located at ground floor level. The community clinic and other shared services are located at first floor level alongside administration and staff facilities. Those elements of the community clinic requiring more intensive access, for example community group room, are located at ground floor level avoiding the need for parents with children and pushchairs having to negotiate the stairs or lifts.