First GP Health Centre In East Midlands

The first fully operational new GP health centre in the East Midlands was officially opened in Corby, Northamptonshire, today by Health Minister Phil Hope. The Lakeside Plus centre is the first of four new GP health centres set to open across Northamptonshire and 12 across the East Midlands providing local people with additional GP services tailored to their needs. The centres, which will see patients from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, are part of a Government programme to increase access to family doctor services. The region will also benefit from six new and additional GP practices in its most poorly served area as part of the same government initiative.

Any member of the public will be able to use the additional services provided by the Lakeside Plus centre, while staying registered with their local family doctor. Patients can also choose to register at the Lakeside Plus centre if they wish to do so and will receive the same high quality services they would receive at any GP practice. As well as increasing access to GP services the Lakeside Plus centre will provide patients with greater choice, have a strong focus on promoting health and on reducing health inequalities, particularly for hard-to-reach groups.

Health Minister, Phil Hope, said: "I am delighted to be opening the Lakeside Plus GP health centre in Corby today, which will undoubtedly make a huge difference in improving access to healthcare for local people.

"Patients tell me that they want to be able to see a GP at times convenient to them, so this centre will offer them the greater choice and flexibility they want. Any member of the public will be able to see a doctor or nurse between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year, while still remaining registered with their own GP."

Phil Hope toured the Lakeside Plus surgery meeting staff and patients. The health centre will provide Corby with the additional health services it needs to meet the rising demands of its fast growing population.

(JM)