Edenbridge is one step closer to having a purpose-built health centre as the final bolt in the steel frame was tightened at a historic topping off ceremony yesterday (Thursday, 23 February). Local people will soon be enjoying the new hub, a one-stop shop for health and wellbeing services, which is set to complete this autumn.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCFHT) and Edenbridge Medical Practice will run the majority of services at the new health centre, which will include the new GP surgery, outpatient clinics, social prescribing and care local people normally have to travel to Tunbridge Wells or Maidstone hospitals for.
Ian Tuddenham, Development Director at gbpartnerships commented:
“I am immensely proud that gbpartnerships are working with the Trust, Edenbridge Medical Practice and building contractors, Galliford Try, on this important new health and wellbeing centre, which when completed, will include a range of sustainable features with no fossil fuels used to heat the building and photo voltaic panels producing renewable energy on site. Getting to the milestone of ‘topping out’ is symbolic not only of reaching the top of the building, but it also demonstrates the achievements of a huge number of people whose teamwork has gotten us to this point.”
Mairead McCormick, Chief Executive of KCHFT said:
“It’s hard to believe that less than a year ago, we were stood – almost in the same spot – cutting the turf and kicking off the construction of Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre. Now, just nine months later, we are celebrating the final bolt going into the frame as we enter the last phase of the build.”
Plans for the health centre began more than six years ago and Edenbridge residents have been involved in shaping the centre every step of the way, from helping to name the building to influencing the memorial garden.
“We want a centre that brings people together, creates opportunities and helps people connect to their community and that’s what we want people to help us with now. This venture will be an outstanding example of what we can achieve when health and care partners join together to provide truly integrated support for the people they serve.”
Dr Anna-Louise Malan from Edenbridge Medical Practice said:
“The new Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre is getting closer to opening and I am so pleased we will have our new GP surgery as part of the community hub. The new facilities and equipment will allow us to deliver health and wellbeing services in a joined-up way that meets the needs of people living here. The centre will be a shining example of supporting people to manage their long-term conditions, stay well and be part of their community, while delivering quality care, closer to home.”
Read more about the project here.
Artists impression of the completed building.