Margate: NHS calls for views on services to be offered at Bethesda Medical Practice
11:07, 02 October 2018
updated: 10:24, 08 October 2018
NHS bosses are seeking views on what should be based in a potential new multi-million pound health and care centre in Margate.
Dubbed a 'one stop shop', £6.5million of NHS funding has already been allocated in principle - subject to further checks - for an extension to Bethesda Medical Practice for a site with more space for GP services.
Now, the NHS wants to know what services people would most like on offer at the hub which would benefit up to 32,000 patients.
A meeting for those interested to share views will be held from 2pm until 4pm on Tuesday, October 9 at the Quarter Deck in Marine Terrace.
Dr Jihad Malasi, chair of NHS Thanet clinical commissioning group, said: "Our ambition is to make an amazing, positive, life-changing improvement to people's health in Thanet.
"People have asked for one-stop shops where they can access health services, see their social worker, get help to stop smoking or lose weight, see a counsellor, get advice on housing and employment and all sorts of things that would make life easier.
"We know these would also help us provide more joined up care.
"Other areas have shown that working in this innovative way has huge benefits for patients, their families and the wider community and makes it much easier to attract new GPs, nurses and other staff – and that’s what we want for Thanet.
"I am delighted that this new development at Bethesda will deliver what local people have asked for and more.
"Now we want to discuss with local people the mix of services that this new facility should provide: we rely on their views to help us develop our plans."
Space at the event is limited. To book a place, contact nelcsu.engagement@nhs.net