On May 1st the keys to the new state of the art health centre in Kirkholt in Rochdale were handed over to the practice by the centre developers, Eric Wright Health & Care.
The centre will benefit more than 6,000 local people when it opens to existing and new patients in mid-May at which point the old practice on Queen’s Drive will be replaced and close.
The new £2.3 million facility was commissioned by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG) and will provide a variety of health and community services for Kirkholt residents in premises which are fit for the future.
The 600sq m, two-storey building will house a range of GP led primary care services provided by the Kirkholt Medical Practice. The team will consist of general practitioners, advanced nurse practitioners, specialist diabetes nurses, healthcare assistants, in house counsellors, focused care workers, reception and admin staff, social prescribers and pharmacists. There is also a community room that is available for a variety of uses to benefit the local area.
The current practice is delivered from a temporary structure on Queen’s Drive on the site of a former roundabout. The new building is located close to the Rochdale Boroughwide Housing – Kirkholt Strand regeneration project, with the new health centre being the latest addition to the regeneration of Kirkholt.
Dr Chris Duffy, Chair of HMR CCG said: “We have worked long and hard with the existing practice at Kirkholt and other partners to get us to this important stage. The centre began construction in May last year. We are pleased that, at last, the practice will be able to deliver health services in a modern building in the heart of the Kirkholt community. “
Dr Andrew Elliott, Lead GP at Kirkholt Health Centre said: “We are extremely pleased and excited to be weeks away from opening our new state of the art health centre . The new centre will bring benefits to the local community, improving access to quality healthcare as well as offering modern facilities for integrated teams and community services in one location.”
Council Leader Allen Brett also commented: “The construction of this new health centre is a further symbol of the regeneration of Kirkholt and we are delighted that the keys have been passed over to allow the practice to make its final preparations before opening to patients.”
Wayne Ashton, head of strategic planning at Eric Wright Health and Care, commented: “The centre was designed by Triangle Architects and is the culmination of many years’ work to allow the GP and primary care services at Kirkholt to be delivered in fit for purpose, state of the art accommodation. The project team of Nu construction, project managed by Eric Wright Professional Services, can be commended for continuing to work through the challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic by using a shift pattern to ensure the build was completed.”
A spokesperson for Nu Construction Ltd said, “We have been proud to deliver this prestigious project on time and on budget and we hope it will be a valuable addition to the local community and the residents it serves.”
Any local resident can choose to register at the new centre by contacting Kirkholt Medical Practice on 01706 664130 or visiting www.kirkholtmedicalpractice.org.uk
Ruth Lloyd, Practice Manager and Dr Andrew Elliott, Lead GP at Kirkholt Health Centre holding the keys to the brand new health centre.