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Making care the centre of attention.
Foundations for a healthy future have been laid with the plans for a new state-of-the-art care centre in Gateshead. The 5 million pound scheme involves building a new health centre and a block of retirement flats in Whickham. Development will take place around the existing Whickham Cottage Hospital site in Rectory lane. In the first phase the 18th century listed building will be converted to a primary care centre.
Once work is complete by next Christmas, the existing health centre will be demolished and replaced with 58 specialised retirement flats. Detailed discussions on the scheme have been going on for some time between Gateshead Health NHS Trust, Gateshead and South Tyneside Health Authority, the Whickham practice and retirement housebuilders McCarthy and Stone.
Gateshead Health NHS Trust chief executive Chris Reed said: "This is an excellent example of a partnership working together to improve facilities for the local community." "Although Whickham Health Centre has served the community well for many years this new facility will allow the challenges and demands of primary healthcare in the 21st century to be met." Mike Dowse, land director of McCarthy and Stone North West, said the scheme will have a range of benefits for the community. "The advantages of a new health centre are obvious and the retirement development next door will have the effect of bringing increased trade to local businesses and freeing up family houses for younger buyers." Work will be phased so there will be no disruption to service from the Whickham practice. Dr. Graeme Oliver, senior partner at Whickham Health Centre, said: "The partners and staff here are delighted that we will now have the building to enable the provision of modern services to the community while retaining our traditional family practice values."
Reference. Richards, L. Making care the centre of attention. The Evening Chronicle (Gateshead), 13 November 2000.