‘Healthcare built around people’s lives’

New community health centres are boosting footfall in town centres, giving a major boost to the economy...

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SETTING up health clinics on the high street can revive flagging town centres, according to NHS leaders.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents health trusts, said the shift to providing more care in the community and away from hospitals gives local businesses and shops a boost.

Wakefield and Barnsley in Yorkshire have seen a higher footfall and a lift to the economy when people use new health centres located in town centres.

The Government's 10-year plan for the health service wants to shift care away from hospitals, creating a “neighbourhood health service” in towns and cities across the country.

Mr Elkeles, who visited the Wakefield health centre, said it was “contributing to the rejuvenation of the local area”.

He said: “Years of underinvestment, and dysfunctional spending rules under successive governments, have left the NHS with buildings and equipment that are too often outdated and unfit for purpose.