WORK has started on construction of a new state-of-the-art health and wellbeing centre in West Kirby.

The Marine Lake Health and Wellbeing Centre is being created by Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (WCHC) in partnership with Marine Lake and Estuary Medical Practice and Age UK Wirral.

The development is described by the trust as "an important investment in local, community based healthcare and will bring many benefits for patients, residents and the wider community", including:

  • The relocation of Marine Lake Medical Practice and Estuary Medical Practice
  • Extended hours and increased capacity
  • Access to specialist health and care services including Community Cardiology
  • An expanded 0-19 Health and Wellbeing Service for local families
  • The opening of a new community space led by Age UK Wirral Due to open in the spring of 2023.

The purpose-built centre also boasts wellbeing gardens and a series of local art installations and exhibitions.

Wirral Globe:

Wirral Globe:

CGI of cafe forming part of the health and wellbeing centre

As part of its consultation, the project team worked with local residents and members of the community about the plans, and are keen sure they get it right for everyone.

A number of guests, including deputy mayor and Conservative councillor for West Kirby and Thurstaston Jeff Green, neighbours and local residents, construction firm Eric Wright Group and representatives from Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust came together to mark the official ‘spades in the ground’ and celebrate the start of work on the projec on Wednesday.

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Karen Howel, chief executive at WCHC (pictured, above, addressing guests at the work launch ceremony on Wednesday) is clear that the project has people at its heart.

She said: "Bringing together primary and community care (including social care) in one place, as well as access to specialist health and care services, is invaluable for our local communities.

"We are delighted to soon 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."

Cllr Jeff Green, deputy mayor and Conservative councillor for West Kirby and Thurstaston, told the Globe: "I've been involved with this project for a long time.

"As a West Kirby councillor, I knew we needed to replace the general practice surgery. It hasn't been fit-for-purpose for some time.

"When I was leader of the council, I worked with Magenta Living to remove the old and worn-out buildings that were here, and to see them replaced.

"The condition, being a green space, was that there be social improvement and social betterment. My vision for that, and my promise, had been a new health centre.

"At long last, we wil have a fantastic centre for the people of West Kirby."  

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Dr Henry Aldwinckle, GP at Marine Lake and Estuary Medical Practice, said: "We are thrilled for the move to the new Health and Wellbeing Centre as 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.

"The team and I are looking forward to the relocation and what it will bring to our patients."

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.

"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 provides something for everyone."

To find out more about the project, visit: www.wchc.nhs.uk/marine where you can take a look at 3D walk-though of the new development.