GP-led health centre for Blackpool

UK Radiology Advisory Services’ Stewart Whitley joins superintendent sonographer Nicky West, sonographer Sue Corless and Toshiba clinical applications specialist Nicky Sims.

The 100th fully operational new GP-led health centre in England was officially opened in Blackpool by health secretary Andy Burnham.

The Whitegate Health Centre houses the latest of the 152 GP-led health centres opening across England that will see patients from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, as part of a government programme to increase access to family doctor services.  Blackpool’s centre includes a modern imaging suite comprising a digital x-ray room, MRI and ultrasound.

Health secretary Andy Burnham said: “Our GP services were recently independently rated as being among the best in the world – by GPs themselves.  But I want to go even further and give patients more choice and greater access.

“These health centres are proving popular with patients who want to be able to see a GP at times convenient to them and to access a wide range of services previously available only at hospitals.” 

The Whitegate Health Centre has a specific focus on meeting the needs of Blackpool’s homeless population.

See the full report on page 8 of the January 2010 issue of RAD Magazine.