Plans unveiled for a MAJOR new health and wellbeing centre in Plymouth
NHS Devon and Plymouth City Council are inviting locals to have their say
Last updated 3rd Oct 2021
People in Plymouth are being asked for their views on a major new health centre.
The proposed West End Health and Wellbeing Centre, which would be situated near Colin Campbell Court, is being devised jointly by Plymouth City Council and NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
It is hoped the project – which would provide a one-stop centre with GPs, mental health service providers, dental care professionals, nurses, other professionals and the voluntary sector – will form part of the area’s regeneration.
As part of the planning process, the project team is inviting the public to give its views on the design and ideas behind how the centre will be best used.
Director of out-of-hospital commissioning at Devon CCG Jo Turl said: “The project is gaining momentum and we’re hoping to submit a planning application in December.
“It’s a complex project and we’re really keen to hear what people have to say about our plans for the health centre building – we look forward to sharing our ideas and hearing people’s feedback".
What services will the centre offer?
The planners said early feedback suggests the centre may involve a number of changes to service provision locally. These include:
- Relocation of existing general practice (GP) services – North Road West Medical Centre, Adelaide Surgery and Armada Surgery
- Outpatient services provided by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, which runs Derriford Hospital.
- Mental health services
- Dentistry and oral health improvement
- Community health services
- Voluntary, community and social enterprise sector services
- Diagnostic services, including X-ray
Councillor Patrick Nicholson, deputy leader, who is also responsible for health and adult social care, said: “Some really exciting ideas are coming together – not just about the services people would like to see in the hub, but also the look and feel of the building.
“I am particularly delighted to see dentistry earmarked for the hub as we all know only too well the on-going difficulties here in Plymouth. It’s also great to see mental health services very much on the table. I am very encouraged by the amount of positive comments and feedback this project has received so far and look forward to hearing what people think in this next stage of engagement. We are listening.
“I’m equally delighted that we have managed to secure a city centre location for this important new facility, breathing new life and opportunity into the West End and bringing more people back into the city centre".
Building will involve demolition of a number of buildings along Western Approach – from Costless up to and including Maxim.
Steve Hughes, city centre manager added: “When I saw these initial plans I was blown away by them and I’m really excited that this centre could be right here in the West End.
“It will transform the look and feel of this area, it will bring in health professionals to the city centre and hundreds of people, who will spend money in cafés and shops locally. It’s a game changer for the business in the West End".
How can I have my say?
The project team is working on a planning application for the new building and as part of the process, they are keen to show local people the current designs and invite them to have their say.
They have arranged two Community Design Engagement Events for local people to be able to share their views.
Both will be held at The Plot, 80-84 Union St, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 3EZ on 14th October, 2pm - 7pm and 11th November, 2pm - 7pm.
The events will feature information and a presentation and a chance to meet and talk to members of the project team. Each meeting will show the latest plans at that date.
Information will also be published online at NHS Devon's website where there will also be an online survey for anyone who can’t make the events. Feedback will then be fed into the planning application development work with a view to submitting an application to Plymouth City Council.
People can also give feedback by writing to West End Health and Wellbeing Centre feedback, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4QD.