More than 9,000 patients in Tower Hamlets are benefiting from a newly-refurbished health centre in the Isle of Dogs, thanks to £1million funding from the local council.
Tower Hamlets Mayor, John Biggs and senior officials from NHS North East London Clinical Commissioning Group (NEL CCG) officially opened the new-look Island Medical Centre in Roserton Street, and were given a tour to see first-hand the improved, expanded facilities.
Following a temporary move to Docklands Medical Centre to allow for construction work, the practice redesigned its layout to bring into use an old caretaker flat – a previously-unused part of the building – to increase clinical space and boost capacity to meet local demand.
The refurbished health centre now offers patients better accessibility and improved practice facilities, such as three new clinical rooms which bring the total available to eight.
The 22-strong practice team are also benefiting from additional admin space, with access to four new offices, a modernised staff kitchen and accessible toilets.
The £1million provided for the refurbishment by Tower Hamlets Council forms part of its wider investment into primary care, ensuring capacity meets growing local demand.
William Cunningham-Davis, Director of Primary Care and Transformation for NEL CCG, said:
“Island Medical Centre is one of many health facilities in Tower Hamlets where, in partnership with the local authority, we are making improvements to ensure services are fit for the 21st century.
“We will continue this journey by investing in modern purpose-built buildings. Our vision is to provide local residents with fit-for-purpose health facilities to support and transform the healthcare system in Tower Hamlets so we can improve patient experience and health outcomes.”
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“It’s fantastic to be at the opening of another high quality medical facility and see how our investment into healthcare services is coming to fruition.
“This is a much needed health centre that will only support the wellbeing of our growing population and set a high standard in addressing the physical and mental health needs of our communities.”
Island Medical Centre currently has more than 9,000 patients on its roll. Further information on the practice and the services it provides are available on its website here.