In a plan launched today by the Greater Nottingham Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT), health and local authority partners have outlined their proposals to develop and modernise three more health centres - in Eastwood, Arnold and Bingham.

The second ‘Strategic Service Development Plan’ for Greater Nottingham sets out a local vision for primary and community health and social care services and gives details of additional investment to be made in existing NHS premises across the area.

The current health centres in Eastwood, Arnold and Bingham were built in the 1960s and are cramped, with limited disabled access, little opportunity for expansion and inadequate parking. They have been identified as being the most in need of modernisation in the local area. The new facilities will offer extended services for patients and the public in modern, purpose-built buildings.

Greater Nottingham LIFT Project Director, Jim Mason, commented:

“By working together in partnership and investing in these new premises, we will improve the health and well-being of local people, as well as enhancing health and social care services. The proposed developments will provide new and modern facilities in the heart of the communities that need them most. “

Lynne Winstanley, Chief Executive of Gedling Primary Care Trust, host of Greater Nottingham LIFT on behalf of the four Nottingham PCTs, said

“The Greater Nottingham LIFT scheme brings together community based health and social care services into one location to take an integrated approach to care and well-being. These proposals for three more developments across Greater Nottingham will continue to build on relationships already forged between the NHS, housing, social services, leisure, environment and education to provide better, and more joined up services for local people.”

The first Development Plan, launched in June 2004, set out a vision for the development of five sites across Greater Nottingham. This marked the beginning of a 25-year public/private partnership to improve health and social care services in Greater Nottingham and closer collaborative working between the NHS and local authorities.

Construction work is almost complete on the first three schemes in Carlton, Clifton and Stapleford and buildings will be opening to patients early in 2006. Details of a further two sites in Hyson Green and Keyworth have recently been finalised and construction work will be starting early next year. The primary care centre for Keyworth is due to open in Spring 2007 and the joint access centre for Hyson Green will be completed in mid 2008.