A new health and wellbeing hub in Hornchurch is now only weeks away from welcoming the first patients, it has been revealed.
The St George's Health and Wellbeing Hub promises to "transform" healthcare for around 250,000 people living in Havering and nearby areas.
Located in Suttons Lane, the centre is nearing its final stages of construction and fit-out with NHS North East London confirming it is to open next month.
It is set to offer services seven days a week, including a GP practice, outpatient, mental health, children’s and community services.
Another key feature of the hub is a new ageing well centre geared towards supporting older residents.
This will offer an assessment service to support their physical and mental health needs.
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Dr Atul Aggrawal, a Havering GP and clinical lead for the hub, said: "This is an exciting approach to how we support people to get the best quality care and support in one place.
"By bringing different partners together to support our residents in a joined-up way, we will make it easier for people to live well, stay well and age well."
Patients will also be able to access scans and other diagnostic tests in a new community diagnostic centre, eliminating extra hospital visits and enabling clinicians to provide faster joined-up advice and support.
Other features of the new hub include a community café, multi-purpose education and meeting spaces, a dementia-friendly communal garden, and space for local voluntary and community groups.
Zina Etheridge, chief executive of NHS North East London, said: "It's so exciting to see work nearing completion on this fantastic new health centre.
"The hub is a brilliant example of how close collaboration can deliver a solution tailored to current needs that is also fit for the future."
Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez toured the almost complete hub on Thursday (August 8).
Speaking after her visit, she said: "It is absolutely brilliant that we are now only weeks away from seeing its doors open to patients.
"I want residents to get the very best healthcare, and the hub will be a game-changer on that front.
"I’m so pleased to see everyone’s collective effort bear fruit, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to the NHS project team for delivering."
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