Marine Lake Health and Wellbeing Centre in the heart of West Kirby is officially open to the public. It is a partnership project between Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (WCHC), Marine Lake and Estuary Medical Practice and Age UK Wirral.
The multi-million-pound centre built by Eric Wright Construction, brings together primary and community care in one place, as well as access to specialist health and care services.
The 2,037sq m bespoke, state of the art centre which spans three floors, is a major investment in community-based healthcare and brings many benefits for local residents, patients and the wider community, including:
- Access to specialist health and care services including Community Cardiology, Podiatry and an expanded 0 -19 Health and Wellbeing Service for local families
- The relocation of Marine Lake Medical Practice and Estuary Medical Practice allowing health and care professionals to deliver services side-by-side improving their ability to work together quickly and efficiently for the benefit of their patients
- Extended hours and increased capacity supporting better access to services when patients need it
- A new community space led by Age UK Wirral, including a café.
- The BeeWell Together Garden – a beautiful outdoor space designed with, and for the local community
Over the last 14 months, the project team has engaged with the local community about the plans for the centre to ensure it is right for everyone, and that people can receive a wide range of outstanding locally based healthcare without the need to attend clinics out of area or hospital.
One of the key features of the centre is the community wellbeing garden – The BeeWell Together Garden. It has been designed around the five ways to wellbeing, which are to: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. It features a range of plants and vegetable trugs for local people to grow their own, as well as a Solardome, a unique and multiple use space that can be used to enjoy quiet time, catch up with friends or as an outdoor classroom for local primary school pupils.
Michael Brown, Chairman (WCHC), said: “Marine Lake Health and Wellbeing Centre is a vital investment in local health and care and will transform how people receive care closer to home. It marks a new chapter for the people of West Kirby and will significantly improve the way in which services are delivered.”
Karen Howell, Chief Executive (WCHC), said: “We are delighted to be providing specialist community services including Community Cardiology in the heart of West Kirby, and extending our health and care offer across Wirral, ensuring people can receive care closer to home and avoid a visit to hospital. Bringing together community based health and wellbeing services and primary care under one roof provides a hub of support for the local community.”
Nick Galvin, project manager for Eric Wright Construction said: “To have delivered this superb facility in little over twelve months is testament to the high level of collaboration and hard work across entire project team. We have used local labour and relied on local suppliers wherever possible. It was quite a challenging site due to the confined space and proximity to residential properties but we’re really proud to see Marine Lake open and functioning so soon after starting on site.”
Dr Henry Aldwinckle, GP at Marine Lake and Estuary Medical Practice, said: “We are thrilled to have moved into the new centre. It brings positive opportunities for our patients, including additional consultation rooms, a new minor surgery unit and access to a range of specialist health and care services.”
Equally excited for the new centre is Jamie Anderson, Chief Executive of Age UK Wirral. He said: “The new community space will be a valuable asset for our local community. It is a social space to meet old and new friends alike in the café, to get involved in a programme of activities and access services from Age UK Wirral and partner organisations. The community space will provide something for everyone.”
A community event to mark the opening of the centre will be held on 5 July to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
