Walk-in doctors’ surgery launched in Nuneaton

Coventry Telegraph | 20 October 2009

AN INNOVATIVE walk-in doctor’s surgery has been launched at a health centre in Nuneaton.

It will allow patients to have an appointment even if they are registered with another surgery and is part of a government programme to increase access to family GP services.

George Eliot Hospital has become the first Acute NHS Trust in the country to run a GP-led facility, which is based at Camp Hill Health Centre, and is supported by NHS Warwickshire.

Health Minister and North Warwickshire MP Mike O’Brien, who performed the opening, said: “This will make a huge difference in improving access to health care for local people.

“Centres like this one are opening up and down the country, complementing services provided by existing practices.

“The centres are proving popular with patients who have told us that they want to be able to see a GP at times convenient to them.

“This centre will offer patients the greater choice and flexibility they want, being able to see a doctor or nurse between 8am and 8pm seven days a week, while still remaining registered with their family GP if they so wish.”

As well as increasing access to GP services, the Ramsden Avenue centre will also have a strong focus on promoting better health and ensuring everyone has access to the services and care they need, particularly for hard-to-reach groups.

Some of the health checks and treatments on offer will include physiotherapy, minor surgery and family planning.

Paul Jennings, chief executive of NHS Warwickshire, said: “We know that those living in the north of the county are statistically more likely to suffer ill-health and we are focused on tackling these health inequalities.

“Camp Hill Health Centre is the result of effective partnership working between NHS Warwickshire, the local community and George Eliot Hospital. Its opening is sure to have a positive effect on health services in the area.”

Sharon Beamish, chief executive of George Eliot Hospital, said: “As a well known local NHS health care provider we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to provide primary care to the community.

“We are looking forward to working with local people to develop services that they want and need in the area and we are fully committed to providing the best care possible to all who choose to use the services in Camp Hill.”

Opening of new GP-led health centre with Warwick Medical School

Warwick Medical School | News Release | accessed 1 October 2009

A new GP-led health centre in Warwickshire developed in conjunction with Warwick Medical School has officially opened its doors for the first time. 

The Camp Hill Centre, based in Nuneaton, has been opened by the Minister of State for Health Services Mike O’Brien MP.  

The Camp Hill area was chosen to benefit from a new health centre as part of the Department of Health’s alternative providers medical services (APMS) contracts. These contracts enable PCTs to deliver health services tailored to local needs. 

Warwick Medical School has contributed towards the development of the health centre and created a learning environment for both its undergraduate and postgraduate students. The health centre will become a teaching hub, providing local leadership to teaching practices.    

Hospital trust opens GP centre

Health Services Journal | 20 April, 2009 | Updated: 23 April, 2009 0:00 am | By Sally Gainsbury

A hospital trust in Warwickshire has become the first to take over the running of a GP-led health centre.

George Eliot Hospital trust plans to open the new 8am to 8pm health centre this October.