Planning applications for three new primary care centres in Westcliff-on-Sea and Shoebury were approved by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council yesterday, 1 December. The two centres in Westcliff will be in North Road and in Valkyrie Road. The proposed centre in Shoebury will be on the Garrison site.
Residents in these areas will now benefit from the developments of these major new health facilities. The new centres will provide modern fit-for-purpose buildings, suitable for the delivery of 21st century healthcare and will enable patients to enjoy a wider range of services closer to their homes.
Subject to final PCT Board approval in January 2012, construction is due to start in Westcliff in April 2011 and in July 2011 in Shoebury. Shoebury primary care centre is due to be operational by spring 2013 and the Westcliff centres are planning to open in late 2012.
Margaret Hathaway, Associate Director of Commercial Services for NHS South East Essex said: “I am thrilled that planning permission has been granted. We can now continue with our plans as, even in this tough financial climate, it’s vital that community premises continue to improve to be able to deliver high quality modern healthcare”
“We have been delighted by the positive response we’ve had to our existing primary care centres in Leigh and Canvey; now the residents of Westcliff and Shoebury will be able to benefit from the services that these new primary care centres offer in their own communities.”
The new facilities will also bring other NHS services together, under one roof, meaning that staff will be able to work more closely with other healthcare professionals to improve patient care.
It is planned that each of the new centres will include a range of services including GP services, a pharmacy, phlebotomy services and community nursing services.