Final proposals for a £2million extension and refurbishment of Prestonpans Health Centre have been submitted to East Lothian Council for approval.
The plans, which were put to the Council earlier this month, will see the building increase in size and will provide purpose-built spaces for patients and staff.
As well as reconfiguring the current health centre, the extension will include three new treatment rooms, a community consulting room and two larger health care assistant rooms.
A decision on the proposals is expected at the beginning of next year and, if approved, work will start on site in Spring and will be completed in Winter 2016.
David Small, Chief Officer, East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We are excited about having reached this important stage in the planning process.
“These developments will bring a wide range of benefits to patients and staff, increasing accessibility for the disabled and elderly and providing a modern and more effective health centre for the people of Prestonpans.”
The practice is awaiting final approval for registration as a GP training practice, and Dr Zain Kapasi, GP, Prestonpans Health Centre, said: “We are eagerly anticipating a decision on these proposals and are very hopeful that they will be accepted.
“These proposals will allow the practice to accommodate and train junior GPs to become fully qualified. The hope is that in 2016 we’ll be allocated a new GP in training. This will allow the introduction of a new cohort of young doctors each year.
“Being able to provide GP training will be a big benefit for all staff and patients.”
The project is being delivered by NHS Lothian’s development partner Hub South East Scotland Ltd, and its appointed contractor, GRAHAM Construction.
Paul McGirk, Chief Executive, Hub South East Scotland Ltd, said: “I’m delighted to see the progress being made on this project, which will make a real difference to the local community in Prestonpans.
“We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with NHS Lothian and working with our contractor GRAHAM Construction to make these plans a reality.