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Three more health centres are planned

16/ 7/2008

OLDHAM is to benefit from three major new health facilities – on top of those currently planned as part of an on-going, multi-million-pound package of improvements.

It has been revealed this week that two new GP surgeries are planned for Hollinwood and Coldhurst, along with a further health centre in or near to the centre of Oldham.

The new practices will be part of an initiative to develop medical services in areas which will benefit the most, while complementing existing schemes in the borough.

The new surgeries are part of the Primary Care Trust’s (PCT) plans to improve health services in the community and will bring total investment to well over £100million.

All three facilities will be open for longer than the norm and offer the usual services people can get from their doctor as well as additional services to meet specific local needs.

Oldham PCT is presently seeking the views of residents to find out exactly what kind of services they would like to see added.

Gail Richards, PCT chief executive, said: "These developments are incredibly exciting. As well as increasing access to community services, they will ease the pressure on some of our existing services. They will also have a focus on health and well-being – supporting people to be fit and well.

"We looked very carefully at health statistics for the whole borough to decide where these new services should go. We wanted to make sure they would benefit those areas of greatest need.Even so, to make sure these developments truly meet the different needs of different communities, we are asking local people about the sort of services they would like to see. This is a fantastic opportunity to make sure people across the borough have the services they need – and deserve."

The next month will see a series of roadshows hit the borough to gauge public opinion.

For more details, or a copy of the information leaflet, visit www.oldham.nhs.uk , call Rosie Kingham on 0161 622 4334 or email rosie.kingham@nhs.net