Cobridge Community Health Centre
“In the years ahead Cobridge Community Health Centre will do much to improve health and wellbeing, and it is a major benefit that we don’t just get a new clinic but a derelict site brought back into use and jobs for local people. Already the new clinic is making a difference and I am proud to have supported a great team of NHS professionals and local volunteers who made sure this clinic was built here to give new hope to Cobridge.”
Joan Walley, Stoke-on-Trent North MP
Incorporating a state-of-the-art community health centre and a purpose built sexual health unit, the scheme provides a range of specialist services, including a chest clinic and X-Ray facility, district nursing, health visiting teams and occupational therapy, offering patients the option to be treated outside of hospital.
The combined Sexual Health Unit (SHU) and Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) brings together medical services, forensics and emotional support, allowing victims to receive the help and advice they need – all in one central location. Previously hospital amenities, these enhanced services are now offered within the heart of the community.
Designed in consultation with patients, staff and local community groups, the community-led nature of the scheme has fostered a sense of pride and ownership amongst local residents. The campus-style development recreates a village centre for Cobridge, incorporating the adjacent church and celebrating the area’s rich heritage. The scheme has also signposted a positive direction for the town, which is part of a wider programme of regeneration in North Staffordshire.
The first of its kind
As the location for a new sexual health support services concept and the first facility of its kind in the UK, the development posed a number of significant challenges. With several stakeholders involved, delivery of the integrated facility would require merging individual funding streams and securing additional land to accommodate the large number of services. Working with its private sector partner, Prime, and utilising the expertise of its specialist development team, Prima 200 was able to purchase another plot of land, ensuring sufficient space for car parking without impinging on the facility. A campus-style layout with a separate building for the SARC and SHU could therefore be delivered, ensuring the privacy required and an exemplar facility for community sexual health services.RELATED ITEMS:
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Size: 4333sqm -
Completed: October 2011 -
Partners: NHS Stoke on Trent, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, The Home Office, RENEW North Staffordshire, Urban Vision