ONE of York’s biggest medical practices could get a major refurbishment to boost public services and turn it into a centre of excellence for trainee doctors.

Priory Medical Group (PMG), which serves nearly 40,000 people, has unveiled plans to expand and revamp its headquarters in Cornlands Road, Acomb.

Bosses say the current building consists of various extensions and is not as open, welcoming and accessible as it should be.

They also want to improve their tuition rooms and programmes, to allow them to work with ten GP trainees a year, rather than the current six.

The group has submitted a planning application to City of York Council, which is now considering the proposals.

A group spokesman said Priory was “uniquely placed to provide an unrivalled clinical training experience” but said that, to maximise its potential, the group needed more space.

He said: “To turn the vision into reality, there is a need for additional consulting room space and a training suite at Priory Medical Centre.”

The spokesman said the centre, which is between York High School and Our Lady’s RC Church, would be more user-friendly if the proposed refurbishment went ahead.

“The main objective is to enhance patient and staff experience alike,” he said.

“This is achieved through careful consideration of zoning and circulation.

“The public perception of the medical centre should be that they are approaching and entering a modern facility that is of continuing and ongoing benefit to the community.”

The proposed revamp would also improve patient facilities, with new disabled toilets and baby-changing facilities, as well as more modern reception and waiting areas and a private interview room.

The spokesman said staff at the centre had already written to patients to tell them about the plans. The proposals can also be viewed on City of York Council’s website.