Staff, retired GPs and representatives of Windhill Green Medical Practice’s patient involvement group celebrated the official opening of an extension to GP training facilities at its branch surgery in Cliffe Avenue, Baildon, yesterday.

The opening of the new facilities is an important step forward the development of the practice, which has a history of commitment to training NHS staff of the future, dating back 30 years.

More than 70 trainees have had their GP placements at the practice and this most current expansion will allow for a further two trainees each year.

For patients it will mean increased capacity, more clinics and less travelling to Windhill.

Senior partner Dr John Bibby said: “With all the changes in the NHS and more care being provided in the community, nearer to patients’ homes, it has become increasingly important that more of the training of undergraduates and newly-qualified doctors is undertaken in General Practice.

“Whatever the future for the National Health Service, the need for well-trained GPs will remain. As a practice that believes in the value of General Practice we have been pleased to be able to develop the training facility for undergraduates.”