Time to have a say on new health centre

Sep 12 2008 by Rebecca Edwards, Chester Chronicle

YOUR views will play an important part in the development of a proposed new health centre in Frodsham, say health chiefs.

Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust Chief Executive Helen Bellairs hopes the new health centre, which would also serve people living in the Helsby and Elton areas, will be up and running by 2010.

She said the Frodsham College site remains the “front runner” as a location for the centre, which would rehouse The Rock GP practice and The Rock Clinic in Frodsham from their current cramped premises in High Street, which urgently need upgrading, together with The Knoll Surgery which will need more space as GPs start to offer more services.

The centre would also bring other currently hospital-based services into the heart of the community.

The PCT is still negotiating with Cheshire County Council to acquire land at Frodsham High School when it closes next year and, subject to planning permission, the proposed start date for building work is November 2009.

Now the PCT is asking residents, through a questionnaire, what they want most from local health services and what improvements they want to see as part of the new health centre.

They also want to know about any concerns residents may have about the proposed list of services at the new health centre which includes district nurses, health visitors and school nurses; blood testing, family planning and sexual health services; diabetic service, mental health services, including counselling for eating disorders and drug misuse.

The centre will also provide physiotherapy and occupational therapy, diagnostics and minor injuries – reducing the need for people to travel to hospital, podiatry, dietetics and weight management, speech and language therapy for assessment and education in a child-friendly environment, intermediate care team, including rapid response team and palliative care.

Other health and welfare services may be provided at the centre, including social services, pharmacy and out-of-hours community and social activities.

Local people are also being asked to join a special working group in give opinions on the plans.

A PCT spokeswoman said this week: “We would be delighted to welcome anyone living in the Frodsham and Helsby area who would be likely to make use of services to be provided at the new health centre.

“Their views will be particularly helpful during the later stages of the development, providing us with feedback about the design of the building, and issues such as public transport.”

Anyone interested in joining the working group should contact the Patient and Public Involvement Manager, FREEPOST CS1528, Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust, 1829 Building, Countess of Chester Health Park, Liverpool Road, Chester CH2 1YZ.