Local residents are to be given a number opportunities to make suggestions for new services that could be provided at Patchway Clinic, which was recently given a reprieve from closure by NHS South Gloucestershire.
Currently, only two thirds of the space at Patchway Clinic, and three quarters at Filton Clinic (also previously threatened with closure), is being used.
In March and April 2012, NHS South Gloucestershire is hosting two open days at Filton and Patchway clinics to give the general public, clinic staff, health and community organisations an opportunity to suggest new services that they would like to see provided at the clinics which would benefit local people.
NHS South Gloucestershire says it would like to expand the number and type of services that are provided so that they benefit more of the local community.
The Patchway open day will be held on 3rd April, between 2pm and 7pm, in the Health Education Room at Patchway Clinic.
Staff from NHS South Gloucestershire will be on hand to discuss the possibilities.
A week later, on Tuesday 10th April, a representative from NHS South Gloucestershire will address a meeting of Patchway Town Council at the Council offices in Rodway road, starting at 7:30pm.
Paul Frisby, Joint Commissioning Manager for Community Development & Partnerships at NHS South Gloucestershire, said:
“Filton and Patchway Clinics are currently under occupied and we would be interested to hear what services local people would like to see provided.”
“It could be a health service clinic that you regularly have to travel across town to attend. Alternatively, there could be a community group looking for space to offer benefits advice.”
“This is a real opportunity for local people to help us deliver a wider range of services and support that will benefit the local community.”
Representatives from NHS South Gloucestershire will also be attending a meeting of the Southern Brooks Area Forum in Winterbourne next Tuesday (13th March).
Patchway Clinic currently provides community clinics run by podiatrists, audiologists, and a number of mental health, drug and smoking cessation counsellors and advisors. Sexual health clinics are provided, as well as a monthly eye clinic. Local community nurses are also based, and see some of their patients, at the clinic.
