Cash problems delay NHS health centres’ opening (From Echo)

Cash problems delay NHS health centres’ opening

9:41am Monday 8th February 2010 in News

A HEALTH trust has confirmed the development of two new health centres for Westcliff has been put on hold.

The planned opening of the primary care centres, in North Road and Valkyrie Road, have been put back to October 2011 due to finances.

Last week, NHS South East Essex was forced to delay eight centres across Southend, Rochford and Castle Point.

Health chiefs have now agreed to defer a decision on the centres until a medium term financial strategy of the schemes has been completed.

Trust chief executive Andrew Pike said: “Our commitment to the development remains undiminished. It is vital our proposals offer the best value for money for local people as well as improve the quality, access and safety of services.

“The NHS has been advised to expect no growth in its budget from 2011/12 onwards.”

The centres were to be the next stage in its estate plan following the opening of primary care centres in Leigh in 2008 and Canvey last year.