South Westminster Centre for Health has undergone a £400,000 refurbishment scheme to devoid the facility of vacant space and evolve facilities.
NHS Property Services (NHSPS) worked closely with North West London Integrated Care Board to complete the necessitated works in order to modernise the centre and make it fit for purpose.
Services on the ground floor, including the clinical rooms, were decanted due to falling short of compliance standards.
Additionally, antiquated facilities and furnishings became a hazard for both patients and NHS staff.
As such, the clinical rooms have now been restored to make them compliant, obsolete carpeting was removed, and facilities such as the toilets and waiting room were refurbished.
It was identified that 30% of the facility was vacant
General fit-out revisions included new light fixtures, floor coverings, and the replacement of non-compliant clinical handwashing sinks and cupboards.
Services are being delivered by the GP Federation, Health Central London, on behalf of its 32 member General Practices.
These services currently include:
- Enhanced access
- Community dermatology
- Community diabetes
- A respiratory and spirometry hub
- Physiotherapy
- Mental health
- Research clinic
It was identified that 30% of the facility was vacant, which has been reduced considerably, enabling over 440 more weekly appointments to become available.
Although no structural works were completed, redecorating the area ensured essential healthcare can be provided to over 275,000 residents who have access to the 32 GP Practices in the local area.
The South Westminster Centre is Healthcare Central London’s first dedicated clinical site
Dhiren Ganesh, Senior Strategy Manager for NHSPS, said: “South Westminster Centre for Health is a key hub for the local community, and the scheme has created a warm and welcoming environment for both patients and NHS staff alike.”
“Our mission was to reduce the amount of vacant space and enable more services to be delivered,” Ganesh continued.
“This has been achieved, and we look forward to a fruitful and successful future at South Westminster Centre for Health,” Ganesh concluded.
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Kirstie Black, Managing Director of Healthcare Central London, said: “The South Westminster Centre is Healthcare Central London’s first dedicated clinical site, and we’re delighted to welcome patients and staff into the transformed space.”
“Alongside alleviating some of the ongoing demand for Primary Care access in Westminster, the centre gives us room to conduct clinical research, launch innovative pilot projects and run practitioner training,” Black continued.
"All of which support our ongoing vision to address health inequality and help our residents stay well for longer,” Black concluded.