More GPs for Walsall

Denise McLellan Chief Executive of NHS Walsall and Gary Clarke Deputy Mayor will officially mark the opening of the new Walk in Health Centre and three new GP practices today. The launch, which will take place in Market Square in the town centre of Walsall at 11am, will give people opportunity to visit the new Health Centre and talk to the GPs and staff who are involved in delivering the new services at all sites.

Denise McLellan, Chief Executive of NHS Walsall, said: ‘I am delighted to be asked to officially open the new Walk in Health Centre along with the Deputy Mayor. The new Walk in Health Centre and GP practices will provide excellent services and many benefits to the residents of Walsall as well as improved access.’

Dr Sam Ramaiah, Director of Public Health for NHS Walsall said: ‘This is a really exciting time for the residents of Walsall. The new GPs will improve access and offer

tens of thousands of new appointments.’

The GP-Led Walk in Health Centre, which can be accessed by anyone who lives or works in Walsall with or without being registered, focuses on bringing health and wellbeing to people with busy, active lives that can’t necessarily attend their own GP.  The Health Centre will open in the old Walk in Centre building in Market Square but will re-locate to new premises within the Town Centre late in 2010. It will be open from 8am till 8pm, 365 days of the year, providing care including doing lifestyle checks, screening for chronic diseases and advising on healthy living.

The three new practices will all start off with a team of at least 2 GPs, Nurses and Practice Staff and will all offer extended surgery times in the evenings and at weekends.

All four of the new services will be operated by Phoenix Primary Care Ltd, a local GP led consortium who currently run a number of surgeries in Walsall.

For more information on any of the new services or how to register either call in to one of the new practices or call 01922 858550.