New health and wellbeing centre in Hanley now open

The Hanley Health and Wellbeing Centre, in 69/71 Stafford Street, will give people the opportunity to have an appointment 8am - 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year - and they don't have to be registered.

The facility, which is opposite the Stafford Street entrance to The Potteries Shopping Centre, will offer anyone medical advice and consultation without the need to register with a GP at the centre and without an appointment.

Commenting on the new Centre, Chief Executive, NHS Stoke on Trent, Graham Urwin, said: "This new centre is about providing access to GPs and nurses, as easily as possible, to the people we seek to serve and care for.

He added: "NHS Stoke on Trent has got to continuously evolve and look at new and innovative ways of bringing healthcare to the community and the Hanley Health and Wellbeing Centre is a great service in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent."

As well as providing a walk-in service for patients with minor illnesses or minor injuries, the Hanley Health and Wellbeing Centre also offers a GP surgery where patients can register in the normal way.

Developed by LIFT Company Prima 200, the centre is run by BH Health Ltd, a leading independent provider of primary care services.

NHS Stoke on Trent's Head of Clinical Effectiveness and Quality Ian Gibson added: "The Hanley Health and Wellbeing Centre is primarily a GP practice, but you won't need to register to be seen. If for example you're feeling ill whilst out shopping in Hanley or you fall and need a treatment for a minor injury, the Hanley Health and Wellbeing Centre will be able to help you. It's going to be a real asset to the area and will greatly improve access to primary care services."

Edmund Jahn, Managing Director of BH Health Ltd said:" The new facility has been commissioned by NHS Stoke on Trent and is part of a nation-wide programme, led by Lord Darzi, aimed at improving access to GP services and calling on every PCT in England to establish a GP led Health Centre open for 12 hours a day, every day of the week.

Patients can walk in without an appointment or be referred to the centre by NHS Direct, GP practices, and other local services.

To find out more about the centre please go to www.hanleyhealthandwellbeingcentre.nhs.uk