HealthSpace scheme takes a leap forward
Rose Harland • Published 16 May 2009 16:00
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HEALTH chiefs and councillors hope that a new health centre could provide a vital boost to a long-awaited town centre regeneration.
Plans for a new Bracknell HealthSpace complex were announced last year following NHS Berkshire East"s Right Care Right Place consultation.
Now the scheme has come a huge step closer after it was announced the new centre will be built at Market Street in Bracknell town centre, potentially acting as a catalyst to kick-start the regeneration of the area.
Cllr Dale Birch, Bracknell Forest Council executive member for adult services, health and housing, said: 'We have got to make this centre part of a feel-good factor around Bracknell.
'We know the situation has slowed down in other areas but if we can link this positively to the regeneration then it will be good for everyone.'
Demands for a new health facility in the centre of Bracknell offering an extended range of health services was one of the key themes to emerge from public consultation Right Care, Right Place which finished last year.
Cllr Birch said: 'I"m not kidding when I say I am emotional after everything we"ve done to reach this point. It means so much for the people of Bracknell to have this 21st century facility which represents so much of what they have asked for and need.'
NHS Berkshire East has selected a consortium made up of Ashley House and G4S Integrated Services to develop the facilities and services offered in the new complex, which is due for completion by the end of 2011.
NHS Berkshire East chairman Sally Kemp said: 'This will show patients that the HealthSpace is happening. We have got a great site in the centre of Bracknell and a great team working with us to help us build a facility that will meet people"s needs now and in the future.'
NHS Berkshire East will now work with Ashley House and G4S Integrated Services to decide what services will be offered at the HealthSpace.
These are expected to include urgent care, GP services, physiotherapy and specialist appointments with visiting hospital consultants, and there is potentially room for a care home and assisted living accommodation in the building.
Ashley House chief executive Jonathan Holmes said: 'The work really starts now. Having been selected, we can now work with service providers and users to work out what we can offer patients.'
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