4 February 2008
A £6m state-of-the-art new health centre in Cheshire was officially opened by local MP and shadow minister for health, Stephen O'Brien, last week. The MP was joined by staff from the Dene Drive Primary Care Centre, Winsford, local dignitaries, GPs and patient representatives as he cut the ribbon for the official opening ceremony on Friday.
The new primary care centre serves over 23,000 local patients and was developed by Assura Properties, in conjunction with its development partner Henry Davidson Developments, for the GPs of three local surgeries and Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT. Assura forward funded the scheme and is the long-term owner of the building, which is leased to the GPs.
Speaking at the event, Stephen O'Brien MP was full of praise for the new health centre. "This is another outstanding primary care development undertaken by Assura for the GPs and patients of Central and Eastern Cheshire," he said.
Dr Talukder, one of the GPs to have recently moved into the new building, said: "The new primary care centre has transformed the working environment for partners, staff and patients for the better. The PCT deserves to be congratulated for providing this excellent service for the people of Winsford."
Commenting on the new centre, Richard Burrell, chief executive of the Assura Group said: "Assura is delighted to have been involved in another major primary care centre for Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust, who are making such a difference to thousands of patients with new modern health centres, bringing a range of services closer to patients in the community."
"This is one of several modern primary care centres in Cheshire in which Assura is the long-term developer and investor in partnership with the PCT; they include centres in Sandbach, Barnton, Macclesfield, Crewe and now Winsford plus one under construction in Nantwich.
"They are superb examples of what modern primary centres for the NHS should be and are testimonials to the value of successful partnership working with GPs and the primary care trust," added Mr Burrell.
ENDS
Press enquiries regarding Assura Group and Assura Properties Limited to:
Andrew McKeon, AJM Public Relations.
Tel: 01423 734 560; Mobile: 07802 484 155
Louise Bathersby, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3830
