PATIENTS and members of the public are being encouraged to air their views on proposals for a new health centre in Gorleston, as a formal 13-week consultation begins on Tuesday.

PATIENTS and members of the public are being encouraged to air their views on proposals for a new health centre in Gorleston, as a formal 13-week consultation begins on Tuesday.

Health chiefs from NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney are eager to hear from people about proposals to move Gorleston Medical Practice and community health services to a new location on the Shrublands site in Magdalen Way.

Patients will be able to go to the new health centre for a doctor's appointment, a physiotherapy session or an antenatal appointment for pregnant women.

There will also be a shared space for healthcare professionals to work and train in which will allow the same rooms to be used by different healthcare specialists for all types of appointments.

Dr Jamie Wyllie, medical director for NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: “The new Shrublands Health Centre will ensure patients have access to treatment and advice from health professionals in a modern and accessible building.

“We are looking forward to the joint working opportunities this building will provide.”

The health services identified for the move are the community physiotherapy service, and the Speech and Language Therapy team, currently based at the James Paget University Hospital (JPUH), and the podiatry team currently based at Central Surgery in Gorleston.

The health centre will be based in a temporary building initially while a more permanent space is developed on the site.

Future services, like specialist hospital clinics, mental health support and community midwives, could also be based from the new centre.

NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney's Board of Directors will consider the outcome of the consultation at their public meeting on September 22.

Natalie Williams, senior communications and engagement manager for NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, added:

“Members of the public have until 6 September to let us know their thoughts as part of a public consultation of the plans.

“This consultation focuses on what health services you would like to access in the new health centre.”

To complete the online questionnaire go to www.gywpct.nhs.uk, email gyw-pct.yourviewsmatter@nhs.net, or post them to: Natalie Williams, NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, 1 Common Lane North, Beccles, NR34 9BN.

Alternatively, they can be dropped off at Gorleston Medical Centre, Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre, or at the Central Surgery in Gorleston.