Application submitted for state-of-the-art Health Centre in Tunstall

Application submitted for state-of-the-art Health Centre in Tunstall

2 June 2009

A planning application for a state-of-the-art health centre at Alexandra Park in Tunstall has been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council.  The new health centre is set to replace the existing and outdated facilities at the Dunning Street surgery.

The proposed health centre aims to deliver better, more modern and more widespread services across the area which will be sustainable for the future and vastly improve the patient experience.

The proposal, for a two storey centre, will be home to the three GP practices (currently at Dunning Street), plus dentistry and community services such as podiatry and district nursing.

 The new health centre will also provide clinics for the treatment of heart disease, diabetes and asthma and with new education and training facilities, will play a key role in the promotion of improved healthcare within the Tunstall locality.

 Graham Urwin Chief Executive of NHS Stoke on Trent said: “The submission of the application marks the beginning of what we hope will be an exciting new era for healthcare in Tunstall which we know will have major health benefits for the people of the town and the surrounding areas. “

 Graham Urwin continued: “We are delighted that the proposal is of high environmental standards and is also part of the exciting Alexandra Park development. We believe the proposal exemplifies true sustainable healthcare in every sense and will play a key role in the social and physical regeneration of the area.”

 The application has been submitted by Dransfield Properties on behalf of NHS Stoke on Trent and if successful, will form the final regeneration phase of the former Wedgwood factory in the town.

 Andrew Malley, Retail Property Director for Dransfield Properties Ltd: “We have been working in Tunstall now for the last six years delivering Jasper Square and the first phase of Alexandra Park. We are delighted to be continuing our investment in the town centre with this latest phase.  

"The scheme will greatly improve access and facilities for patients in the area as well as bringing together many local services under one roof.  A new health centre of this quality and on this location will also encourage more visitors to the town centre with the prospect of linked shopping trips to the other facilities the town has to offer.”

The application is a revision to the plans which received planning consent in 2006 and follows a review of local health requirements.

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For further information, please contact Tamsin Carr of NHS Stoke on Trent on 01782 401048 

Notes to editors

The improvements to the 2006 scheme are:

• A better quality layout spread over two floors with ground floor access increasing visual awareness of the centre
• Easier access to the range of services to be offered and the new design allowing a more efficient provision of services
• Access will be from two entrances one taken from the Greenway and one from the car park, as well as a drop off and pick up point
• The back of the building will be a landscaped garden area for both staff and patients to enjoy
• Accommodation that can be easily adapted to meet service needs in the future

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk