Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the new Farnborough Centre for Health has opened as planned. Services have moved in to the building and started welcoming patients and service users from October 19.
The project is a joint enterprise between Rushmoor Borough Council and NHS North East Hampshire and Farnham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and represents the culmination of many years’ work.
Hampshire LIFTCo were appointed as Project Manager for the new Health Centre and the experienced team led on all aspects of the project from start to completion. GPs and other health services will be able to support local people in a new way and help residents to manage their own health more effectively. The services it hosts will benefit all of Farnborough, including new housing developments.
Above: Artist impression of the Health Centre
GP practice Voyager Family Health is moving into the building, along with the Farnborough Integrated Care Team, Community Nursing Team, Farnborough Midwifery Team and talking therapies service TalkPlus.
There are facilities for parents and children and alterations to suit people with physical disabilities – including wider corridors, automatic doors, ramps, a lowered reception desk and a hoist.
Dr Glen Micklethwaite, of Voyager Family Health, said:
“This is a great step forward for local healthcare services. This centre will make our job of delivering a quality service to our patients so much easier, while the other services based here will provide support to the whole community in a more joined-up way.”
Dr Steven Clarke, Clinical Lead for the CCG said:
"Having a dedicated health facility for Farnborough with capacity to accommodate new residents moving into the area has been a priority for the CCG for some time, so we’re delighted that we’re now at that point. To achieve this during a global pandemic is remarkable and I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.”