06 July 2009
Building work will begin next week on the £3.5m state-of-the-art health centre that will transform services for up to 5,000 local patients in Chesterfield by providing a much wider range of health services in one place.
The Stubbing Road Health Centre will be provided by leading primary care investor Assura and development partner LSP Developments, on behalf of the Holywell Medical Practice and NHS Derbyshire County. Locally-based Jaybuild has been appointed as building contractor.
Upon completion, a clinical team from the Holywell Medical Group including GPs, nurse practitioners, nurses and other associated healthcare professionals will move into the new premises, allowing them to increase and enhance their current range of services, while continuing their high levels of patient care.
The group's practice at Holywell House in Chesterfield town centre will remain open and will continue to provide a full range of medical services to the local community.
Services already on offer, such as phlebotomy, pregnancy and child development, minor surgery and counselling will be increased and additional services such as dentistry, midwifery, a minor injury service and increased minor operations will be available from a purpose built suite.
Alongside these services, a number of community-based initiatives such as substance and alcohol abuse services will be offered, while mental health workers as well as a community matron will also be on hand.
An on-site pharmacy is included in development plans which will increase patient convenience and choice by enabling them to pick up prescriptions immediately after consultation with their doctor.
Amanda Horley, development manager of Assura, said: "This is a huge investment in healthcare for the local community.
"We have worked closely with the GPs, NHS Derbyshire County and patient groups to ensure that this new facility will more than meet the needs of local people as well as provide the best environment to meet the challenges of the ever evolving NHS."
Dr Richard Meredith, a GP from the Holywell Medical Group, added: "We are delighted that work will soon begin on this project. Many people have worked tirelessly to provide this much needed resource in an area that will benefit hugely from a multi-disciplinary, modern and well equipped primary care facility.
"The project is testament to the commitment of Holywell Medical Group to the local community and will allow us to start addressing some of the health inequalities that still affect people in today’s society. We are all very excited at the prospect of welcoming existing and new patients to our practice."
Ed Sutton, Managing Director of LSP Developments, said: "We are pleased to have got there with this development, in what is a difficult financial climate and when public sector spending has been limited. It is testament to the partnership formed between the PCT and GPs, Assura, the local authority and ourselves, which enabled this important project to be brought to fruition."
The project is expected to be completed by early 2010 and doors will open to patients shortly thereafter.
ENDS
Press enquiries regarding Assura Group to:
Russell Elliott, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3833
Louise Bathersby, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3830
