Basingstoke’s new ‘one stop shop’ for medical services was officially opened this week.
Celebrity GP Doctor Hilary Jones, most recently seen gracing our television screens on Dancing on Ice, cut the red tape at a special ceremony on Thursday. Having been practicising in the town since 1982, Dr Hilary spoke of his pleasure at opening the new centre.
He said: “I am delighted to be officially opening the Hampshire Healthcare Centre as I believe its accessibility and flexibility in terms of opening hours and convenience for all patients whether registered or not will provide a quick, reliable service delivered by excellent local doctors and nurses in a welcoming and ideal setting. Local people are already blessed with a wonderful service from the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and now they can enjoy a similar experience in family medicine in a setting separate from the differing requirements of the accident and emergency environment.”
The new Healthcare Centre is open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm and provides a wide range of services including pre-bookable and same-day GP appointments. It is run on behalf of NHS Hampshire by Assura Hampshire Health; a partnership of 13 local GP practices.
Dr Tania Phillips, local GP and chair of Hampshire Health – which runs the centre of behalf of NHS Hampshire, said: “The new centre, with its extended opening hours seven days a week, gives patients further choice in accessing healthcare. This is particularly useful for both the local population and commuters as it offers flexibility to plan an appointment around prior requirements.”
The service hopes to serve as may as 14,000 patients in the coming year.
Dr Niall Ferguson, of NHS Hampshire, added: “The people who live and work in Basingstoke told us what they would like to see in the new centre and we are delighted to offer patients not just extended access to GPs and dentists but also a more appropriate place than A&E for the assessment and treatment of people with minor problems.”
