Victoria Park
A new health and wellbeing hub opens in Victoria Park
NHS Somerset makes decision on a new Health and Wellbeing Hub in Bridgwater
Local Bridgwater residents will have access to a new health and wellbeing hub which is to replace Victoria Park Medical Centre, the hub will provide a range of services, including support for children and young families as well as older people.
In August 2021, the difficult decision was made to close Victoria Park Medical Centre in Bridgwater due to clinical staffing shortages. While NHS Somerset worked collaboratively with practice staff to find a solution it was not possible to find a way to provide a clinically safe service at the practice and patients were supported to re-register at other local practices in the area.
To ensure the health needs of the local population was met, NHS Somerset set up a programme of work with the aim of considering the best model of care that should operate from the premises in the future.
The programme included representatives from Victoria Park Community Centre, the District Council, Healthwatch, local health and care providers and NHS Somerset, with support from NHS South Central and West Commissioning Support Unit.
Michael Bainbridge, from NHS Somerset said, “Extensive public and stakeholder engagement was carried out to seek feedback and listen to local people and communities about what the potential futures options for the site could be. The development of a health and wellbeing hub will provide a holistic approach to addressing the health and care needs of the local community.”
Engagement Report Published on the Closure of Victoria Park Medical Centre and Next Steps
NHS Somerset has published an engagement report describing the feedback given by patients and residents, following the closure of the Victoria Park Medical Centre.
Over 100 people gave us their feedback through three drop-in sessions and an online survey. All the information provided was analysed by an independent expert, who has written a report.
The report includes details of people’s experiences of their new GP practices, their views about what NHS Somerset needs to consider when planning for future local health services and suggestions about possible solutions.
A copy is available to read Victoria-Park-Medical-Centre-Engagement report.
Two engagement meetings were held by the NHS Somerset on 10th January 2022. The purpose of these meetings was to:
• Share the key themes from the October engagement
• Describe the process to explore, assess and narrow down a range of possible solutions for future services at Victoria Park
• Provide details of the range of options currently on the table for consideration
• Ask for people’s views/thoughts and to answer their questions
A report was produced and is available Victoria-Park-Engagement-Report - Jan meetings.
