A REVAMPED and extended medical centre which will offer a range of new services has been officially opened in Coventry.
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Coun John McNicholas, cut the ribbon at the official opening of Henley Green Medical Centre.
The medical centre on Henley Road will offer new services in physiotherapy, counselling and diabetes care, as well as expanding others in minor surgery, blood testing, contraception and smoking cessation.
It also has space to accommodate more health-related services like dental care, eye care and a pharmacy, and there are plans for Well Women services.
The state-of-the-art design uses the principles of healing architecture, which will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of patients.
It has been designed to be at the heart of the community, with no barriers.
The purpose-built energy efficient building will double the size of the existing practice, which currently serves around 8,000 patients.
Extra facilities will allow the centre to serve up to 15,000 patients in the coming years, meeting increased demands from new housing developments in the area.
The practice is currently open to new patient registrations, while new jobs will also be created in due course.
Dr Shiv Dhawan, owner of the practice, said the facility has been designed to be an integral part of the community and to bring services closer to home.
He said: “It is very open, which we hope will provide the community the sense of belonging and accessibility to healthcare.
“The atrium of the surgery is flooded with light, giving a welcoming feeling and brightness.”
The centre has parking with disabled access and a self-check-in system, screens providing information in the waiting area which will help service users and their experience.
The project has been in the pipeline for more than three years and has been made possible with the help of a £1.5million NHS grant.
Dr Dhawan added: “The vision of the practice is to deliver high standard evidence-based patient care with compassion, empathy and mutual respect.
“The development will have a positive impact for the local area and improve the services on offer for patients.”
Coun McNicholas praised the development at the official opening.
He said: “The Henley Green Medical Centre looks superb, and the excellent facilities and dedicated staff will help and support many in the years to come.
“The centre is right in the heart of the neighbourhood and will help to build a stronger and healthier Henley Green, and is a great new addition to our city’s amazing health services.”
Coun Kevin Maton, who represents the Henley ward, also welcomed the development.
He said: “Particularly in the current circumstances, having good quality medical facilities is absolutely essential.
“The newly opened facility is in a prominent location, providing opportunities to work with a range of partners.
“It’s another centre of excellence in the Wood End area which will be an asset to the local community.
