Plans to extend Sidmouth's Beacon Medical Centre are progressing well – but are in need of a cash injection.

The Sid Valley Medical Practice won planning permission for the extension in January, and now needs to secure the necessary funding so that the project can go out to tender to builders.

The total cost is £98,000, of which NHS England are contributing £29,000, and the Clinical Commissioning Group are expected to provide £30,000 – so that still leaves around £40,000 to be raised.

The extension plans will see extra consulting rooms at the Beacon centre, along with a minor injury unit, operating theatres, training rooms, and facilities for pharmacists, a physiotherapist and researchers.

The town centre branch surgery, Blackmore, will be moved to two designated rooms at the Victoria Hospital, with other rooms to be available as and when needed.

The changes will enable the practice to expand its range of services and recruit more doctors and nurses, increasing capacity to meet the future healthcare needs of local residents.

GP partner Dr Joe Stych said: "The centre of town Hub will see primary and secondary care working more closely together to improve care in the Valley. The Beacon extension will help GPs continue to deliver care and future-proof primary care services.

"The practice is actively trying to confirm funding for the next phase of the project to allow things to move forwards. We are working with NHSE and CCG to try and deliver the project.

"It has been a difficult time with Covid and financial planning.

"In the past we have received generous donations from patients which has allowed the practice to buy equipment for the benefit of patients. If we can raise any additional funds locally this would all help."