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Devereux Architects completes South London's Loxford Polyclinic
London’s first purpose built Polyclinic was recently opened by Lord Darzi in South Ilford, East London as part of the government’s 2008 vision for Primary Care in the NHS.
Devereux Architects were asked to create a sustainable, contemporary building with a strong sense of identity within the community.
Located on a busy road within a residential district the building is now a contemporary landmark within the Ilford
community. The Polyclinic achieved high sustainability with a NEAT ‘Excellent’ rating through simple passive and active
strategies.
The new 4 storey polyclinic was required to serve up to 50,000 local people and had to offer early & late appointments 7
days a week for a comprehensive range of services traditionally provided only in Hospitals. In addition to GP surgeries,
new services now include: minor ops, x-ray & ultrasound, ENT / audiology, phlebotomy, dentistry, podiatry,
ophthalmology, rheumatology and gynaecology.
The Polyclinic sits at the centre of Redbridge PCT’s new Loxford ‘Polysystem’: a new way of joining up health services
and providing easier access to healthcare. The clinic is a Hub providing links with local Spoke facilities ie GP surgeries,
primary and other voluntary care services. The architects encourage healthy lifestyles and have included a well-being clinic and a
cardiology / physiotherapy unit complete with gym. Patients can pop in without appointment and use the Self Testing
Facility for blood pressure and BMI, book into the flexible group rooms for health related activities or just relax in the
community café. Complementing the Polyclinic services the ‘100 Hour’ pharmacy offers consulting facilities. Staff are
well provided for with a suite of administration, changing and relaxation spaces on the third floor including a large lounge
space with views over Ilford.
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