Primary healthcare in Blackpool has taken a giant leap forward this month with the completion of the landmark South Shore Primary Care Centre which has opened its doors to patients. 
This new 6,125sqm health facility provides an exceptional health environment for the residents and patients of the south shore area bringing together three GP Practices (Highfield Road, Stonyhill and the Lytham Road Health Centre). In addition to the extra space and modern facilities for the GP surgeries NHS Blackpool will provide services including minor injuries, diagnostics, children’s services, GUM, community dentistry and outpatients enabling the full provision of primary care closer to people’s homes. For added convenience the building also houses a pharmacy with state of the art robot dispensing technology.

The £15m development has been provided and funded by GPI, a leading specialist developer and investor in primary care premises.

The completed scheme has a great sense of civic presence, its open space atrium and reception areas create a therapeutic environment.

The facility has also been designed to achieve a high level of environmental sustainability. Key features include over 15% renewables, air source heat pumps, natural ventilation, solar thermal photovoltaics and rainwater harvesting. The ensuing result provides for a very energy-efficient building. The scheme also achieves a NEAT excellent sustainability rating.

The new centre is located on the site of the former South Shore Hospital, which was demolished as part of the project. The brief was to minimise the impact of the design on the adjoining residents and secure public support. This was achieved through innovative design combined with extensive consultation with Blackpool Council Planning Department and the public.

Dr. Stuart Priestley from Highfield Rd Surgery commented “this is a fabulous building which we are very pleased with and has also been well received by both patients and staff alike providing a very good working environment. Once we have settled in our intention is to develop the further enhanced primary care services for our patients”.

Wendy Swift Chief Exec of Blackpool PCT said “The South Shore Primary Care Centre is another step in our vision of providing world class premises from which to deliver health services and I am delighted that patients can now utilise the greater provision on offer close to home”

Andrew Caldwell Regional Director at GPI comments “The South Shore beacon primary care centre is an excellent example of what can be achieved by partnership working between local GPs, NHS, design and contracting teams in meeting the growing needs of a modern NHS in the 21st century.  It is a superb facility for the south shore community".

Enquiries:

Andrew Caldwell, Regional Development Director, GPI
T:  01477 544 053

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