Work on the two storey-extension to Wickham Surgery began last month, and on completion will see two dentists and support team working from the practice. The new building will occupy a strip of lawn and five car parking spaces, which will be relocated. The construction of the extension should have ‘no impact’ on patients using current GP services, according to Wickham Surgery managing partner Ed Kennedy. He said: ‘Due to a large decrease in footfall with Covid-19, we have been able to have construction machinery on site without parking becoming an issue. ‘We are very excited that our patients will have more options locally. ‘At the earliest opportunity we will want to obtain an NHS dentistry contract as we feel the local area is in dire need for more NHS dental provision. ‘Our patients currently have to travel some distance and are met with long waits for treatment.’ It is hoped the extra provision will help current residents and the first residents of the Welborne development, which will use health services in Wickham until provisions are built in the proposed 10,000 home garden village. Mr Kennedy said: ‘Fortunately Wickham Surgery was designed in a way which allows for expansion. ‘We are confident that we will be able to increase our clinical consulting room capacity to allow for the future recruitment of GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals. ‘We are in constructive talks with the developers of the land behind the surgery. ‘We envisage in the future being able to increase our parking allocation by 60 per cent. ‘This will provide ample parking for the foreseeable future.’ The dentist provision will make the Wickham Surgery a ‘true community surgery’, according to Loraine Rappe, Wickham Parish councillor and chairwoman of the surgery’s patient group. SEE ALSO: Portsmouth traumatised pensioner, 70, slashes leg open on fly-tipped rubbish outside Buckland home She said: ‘It’s good news because getting hold of a dentist in the area is very difficult. ‘It’s going to be very beneficial for residents in Wickham and Knowle.’ A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues. The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online. Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.