South Gloucestershire residents are set to benefit from a range of health, children’s, young people and family services on their doorstep after the opening of the Yate West Gate Centre on Monday 8 February.
The Centre is a joint venture between NHS South Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire Council so that residents can access a wide range of services all in one place.
Chief Executive of NHS South Gloucestershire, Penny Harris, said: “This is a unique facility. When all services are up and running, local people will be able to access therapy and hospital outpatient appointments, have an x-ray or get treatment for a minor injury without needing to travel to a hospital as they do now. They will also be able to visit a GP surgery and access council services for families and young people all in one visit.”
Councillor Sheila Cook, executive member for children and young people, said:
“We have been working in partnership with our local health service colleagues to create a fantastic centre and I’m delighted that it is on the verge of opening. The centre will bring a large range of health and council services together under one roof, making it much easier for residents to benefit from them.”
Services will open between the 8 February and 6 April. There will be a children and young people’s hub within the centre, including: the Children and Young People Information Service providing the general public with information, signposting, advice, support and access to a range of services; a Sure Start Children’s Centre offering stay and play sessions; youth clinics; maternity services and access to health visitors. Connexions staff will also be based at the hub.
The centre will accommodate the West Walk GP Surgery, an x-ray facility, treatment rooms, podiatry clinic, dental services as well as a range of outpatient clinics. A Boots pharmacy will also be open on site. Additionally, a Minor Injuries Unit will also be available where people will be able to get care for an injury such as a cuts, grazes, sprains or bites, leg or arm injuries instead of going to A&E at Frenchay Hospital. NHS South Gloucestershire estimates that, after the centre is up and running, 34,000 appointments will take place at the centre every year rather than at the major hospitals in Bristol.
Roger Pedley, Director of Primary and Community Care, said: “People tell us that they value local services. This will bring a wide range of care closer to people’s homes, and will save patient’s from having to make many journey’s to Frenchay and Southmead.”
Source: NHS South Gloucestershire
