Public listening events launch as Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre takes historic step towards completion
Edenbridge is one step closer to having a purpose-built health centre as the final bolt in the steel frame was tightened at an historic topping off ceremony yesterday (Thursday, 23 February).
Local people will soon be enjoying the new community hub, a one-stop shop for health and wellbeing services, which is set to complete this autumn.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) and Edenbridge Medical Practice will run the majority of services at the new health centre, which will include the new GP surgery, social prescribing and a wider range of outpatient clinics and children's services, reducing the need for people to travel to Tunbridge Wells or Maidstone hospitals for some care.
Mairead McCormick, Chief Executive of KCHFT said: “It’s hard to believe that less than a year ago, we were stood – almost in the same spot – cutting the turf and kicking off the construction of Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre. Now, just nine months later, we are celebrating the final bolt going into the frame as we enter the last phase of the build.”
Plans for the health centre began more than six years ago and Edenbridge residents have been involved in shaping the centre every step of the way, from helping to name the building to influencing the memorial garden.
Next week, the full list of what could be delivered from Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre will be shared. There will be a variety of ways people can find out more about these services and have their say, starting with a public meeting, chaired by Tom Tugendhat MP, at the Eden Centre from 10am until 12noon on Saturday, 4 March.
Mairead said: “With the roof now going on our new centre, it is right that, as we enter the final leg of this project, we finalise the services and explore what else we can provide that will benefit the health and wellbeing of the people of Edenbridge.
“We want a centre that brings people together, creates opportunities and helps people connect to their community and that’s what we want people to help us with now. This venture will be an outstanding example of what we can achieve when health and care partners join together to provide truly integrated support for the people they serve.”
Dr Anna-Louise Malan from Edenbridge Medical Practice said: “The new Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre is getting closer to opening and I am so pleased we will have our new GP surgery as part of the community hub. The new facilities and equipment will allow us to deliver health and wellbeing services in a joined-up way that meets the needs of people living here. The centre will be a shining example of supporting people to manage their long-term conditions, stay well and be part of their community, while delivering quality care, closer to home.”
Ian Tuddenham, Development Director at gbpartnerships said: “I am immensely proud that gbpartnerships is working with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, Edenbridge Medical Practice and building contractors, Galliford Try, on this important new health and wellbeing centre, which when completed, will include a range of sustainable features with no fossil fuels used to heat the building and solar panels producing renewable energy on site.
“Getting to the milestone of ‘topping out’ is symbolic not only of reaching the top of the building, but it also demonstrates the achievements of a huge number of people whose teamwork has gotten us to this point.”
As well as the public meeting, online listening events, a mini-roadshow around the town and an online survey will be available for people to get involved and share feedback.
Find out more or book onto the meeting: www.kentcht.nhs.uk/EdenbridgeFuture
