03 March 2008

The North Ormesby Health Village, developed by Assura Property for Middlesbrough PCT, is one of the first primary health care locations in the country to offer a 12-hour GP service to its patients.

Colin McLeod, chief executive of Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland PCTs said that the 8am to 8pm, seven-days-a-week service was set up in response to patient concerns over prompt and convenient access.

"Patients have told us that one of their main concerns is getting fast access to a GP. This is our response to their concerns. We are also developing other exciting plans to further improve access to primary care services over the coming months."

According to the Department of Health, around six million patients are unhappy with surgery opening hours across the country, though a recent survey conducted by GP newspaper claimed that 65 per cent of doctors are opposed to increased hours.

The £12m North Ormesby Health Village has transformed primary care services in a regeneration area in Middlesbrough. Since opening in 2006, it has been at the forefront of innovation, bringing together five GP practices and providing a range of services previously only available in hospitals, as well as a pharmacy.

Also featured within the village is one of the UK's only purpose built Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC), which is accessible 24 hours a day for victims of sexual assaults who contact the police or seek help from health, social care or voluntary organisations.

ENDS

Press enquiries regarding Assura Group and Assura Property Limited to:

Andrew McKeon, AJM Public Relations. Tel: 01423 734 560;
Mobile: 07802 484 155

Louise Bathersby, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3830