Opening of new health centre at Steyning

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert officially opened the new health centre in Steyning on Friday afternoon (10 October).

Mr Herbert and the Chairman of Horsham District Council, Cllr John Bailey, together unveiled a plaque to mark the event.

Mr Herbert was also given a tour of the new building by Community Nursing Administrator Aileen Phillip.

The new centre in Tanyard Lane will serve patients from Steyning, Ashurst, Wiston, Washington, Bramber and Upper Beeding.  It has been provided through a partnership between Horsham District Council and West Sussex Primary Care Trust.

The centre has 16 consulting rooms for doctors, nurses and visiting consultants; three nurse treatment rooms; a minor surgery suite; and a dental suite in readiness for the provision of NHS dental services.  Attached to the health centre is a pharmacy which will be run by Paydens (the owners of Moores in Steyning High Street).

Senior Partner Dr Eric Noren said: "We are appreciative to all who have made what is a strikingly good building possible, from the developers, architect, engineers and contractors through to Horsham District Council and the Primary Care Trust who have supported and facilitated this very significant achievement.  We also want to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Wilson Memorial Trust.

"We are also grateful to Horsham District Council for allowing the lease of their land for this development and all of our new neighbours for their forbearance during this time of upheaval for them all."

Mr Herbert said: "It's a huge pleasure to open this impressive new health centre, the fruit of effective partnership between the Primary Care Trust and Horsham District Council.  I've had a few disagreements with the PCT in recent years over healthcare in the County, so it's good for once to celebrate a positive local initiative.

"Bringing services closer to local people, must be the right direction of travel in healthcare, with doctors travelling to patients rather than patients to doctors - provided, of course, that we maintain the acute services that people want to see in their local hospitals."

Mr Herbert added: "Congratulations to everyone concerned for their work in achieving this marvellous new facility."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For the website of Steyning Health Centre, visit http://www.steyninghealthcentre.co.uk/

2. The Health Centre opened to patients on 1 September 2008.