25 September 2009
Hornsey Central Neighbourhood Health Centre was officially opened today by Lord Ara Darzi, the former health minister and Government advisor on health issues.
Speaking at the event, Lord Darzi said: "Three years ago, together with other clinicians, I set out a vision for the future of healthcare in London that would build a health system based around patients’ needs. Central to that vision was the idea that care would be provided in the most appropriate setting.
"For most that meant in their local community rather than in hospital with GPs, community and secondary providers working more closely together to provide a broader range of services, available times convenient to patients. That vision is now emerging as a reality in west Haringey with Hornsey Central."
The three-storey Hornsey Central building on Park Road was developed under the Government's Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) scheme by Elevate Partnerships, a public private partnership which is owned by Barnet, Enfield and Haringey PCTs, Community Health Partnerships and a consortium of companies led by leading healthcare provider Assura.
The new health centre is a key part of NHS Haringey’s commitment to move healthcare closer to people’s homes to improve both the health of the local population and access to services, with GP services available from 8am-8pm.
Nearly 20 different health services are available under one roof including GPs, an onsite pharmacy, café, dementia day care and drop-in services for sexual health and family planning.
It also provides a number of traditionally hospital-based services including blood tests, outpatient appointments, minor surgery, ultrasound and physiotherapy as well as acting as an educational centre helping to raise people’s awareness of adopting healthier lifestyles.
A unique feature of Hornsey Central Neighbourhood Health Centre is the decision to encourage community groups to run wellbeing services from the building as part of NHS Haringey’s commitment to forging stronger community ties.
Community and voluntary groups will be based at the clinic offering advice, support and information on services including Citizens Advice Bureau and Age Concern. Local residents will have an important say in how the health centre is run through a new user panel of local people who use the centre.
David Acklam, Head of LIFT at Assura, said: "Hornsey Central Neighbourhood Health Centre is one of five investments Assura has in primary care centres in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey.
"They are among the best primary care facilities in the country and we are very proud of the quality and design of the building which has been so warmly welcomed by patients, doctors, staff and the public."
Commenting on the grand opening of Hornsey Central today, Lynne Featherstone MP said:
"It’s been a long journey and a long campaign together with local people, but today we are finally standing here in this brilliant new facility for the west of the borough.
"This will bring wonderful health services to the community for many years to come, and is what local residents need and deserve. Hats off to all who made this come true- it was worth the wait."
Richard Sumray, chair of NHS Haringey added: "The new neighbourhood health centre will deliver on our commitment to Haringey residents of not just treating people but helping them to lead healthy lifestyles.
"An enormous amount of NHS resources are rightly focused on treating ill health but the key is really preventing ill health in the first place. Neighbourhood health centres will help empower people to make healthier lifestyle choices.
"It’s a really exciting project with huge potential to address a whole range of health issues from prevention to better self management of long-term conditions like diabetes. I would like to see Hornsey regarded as and used as a centre by all the
local community."
ENDS
Notes to editors
Hornsey Central Neighbourhood Health Centre was built under the Government's Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) scheme. LIFT is a Government vehicle for improving and developing frontline primary and community care facilities. It allows PCTs to invest in new premises in new locations, not merely reproduce existing types of service. It provides patients with modern integrated health services in high quality, fit for purpose primary care premises.
Elevate Partnerships is the LIFTCo for Barnet, Enfield and Haringey LIFT schemes and is a public private partnership made up of the following constituents: Barnet, Enfield and Haringey PCTs, Community Health Partnerships (Department of Health), and a private sector consortium (Assura, Bilfinger and Sapphire).
Press enquiries regarding Assura Group to:
Russell Elliott, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3833
Louise Bathersby, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3830
