New Thanet Health Hub opened by EKHUFT volunteer
The Thanet Community Health Hub has been officially opened, marking a major step forward in improving access to joined-up care for local communities.
The event brought together partners from across the East Kent Health and Care Partnership, alongside NHS colleagues, volunteers and local community organisations, who have all played a key role in bringing the hub to life.
Located in Northwood Road, Westwood Cross, the hub brings together a wide range of services under one roof, including community nursing, therapies, and GP services. There is also a Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), run by East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), which includes:
· Phlebotomy services
· Respiratory sleep clinics
· Echocardiogram services
· Lung function services
The aim of the hub is to make it easier for people to receive NHS care, while helping reduce pressure on hospitals and other services. Mairead McCormick, Chief Executive of Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and lead for the East Kent Health and Care Partnership, said: “This hub shows what we can achieve when we work together for our communities. By bringing services into one place, we are making it easier for people in Thanet to access the care they need, while improving how we support them in a more joined-up way. I am incredibly proud of our colleagues, partners and volunteers who have made this possible.”
Since opening its doors to patients in October last year, the hub has already supported almost 30,000 appointments, offering more access to diagnostics, GP appointments and specialist community services. The hub will continue to develop, with plans to expand services further, including additional diagnostic facilities.
Angela Scott, a respiratory nurse consultant for EKHUFT said: "We were one of the first services to start operating in the Community Diagnostic Centre, as part of the hub, and we've found it a great place to work. It's a much better place for patients and it means all the health services link together better."
A special moment saw patient and retired nurse Denise Stone, who is also an EKHUFT volunteer, cut the ribbon to officially open the hub. Denise’s contribution recognises the vital role volunteers and patients continue to play in supporting local health services. She said: "A lot of people don't like hospitals and the hub offers a really bright and modern alternative for local people like me."
EKHUFT’S acting Chief Executive, Dr Des Holden, said: “We thank all our staff involved in bringing this diagnostic centre into action. By doing so, they are also contributing to a community service, which means people in Thanet can get tests and checks completed faster and closer to home. We look forward to seeing the site grow in terms of the services it offers and hearing from patients about their positive experiences here."
Oena Windebank, Chief Executive of Invicta Health CIC, which runs St Peter’s Surgery inside the hub, said: “This new facility is a great opportunity for both up-to-date clinical space and bringing services together for the people in Thanet. I’m delighted to see and experience the passion and commitment on-site; there is a real drive to work together across all the services to support patients and the energy is palpable. I’m very proud of what we have all achieved here and the potential is exciting.”
Cardiac patient Paul Parrish added: “The hub for me is easy, I live close by. I can get my bloods done here, my GP is here and the community heart team is here. The people are great, I’m being looked after really well.”
Further information about the Thanet Community Health Hub can be found on the KCHFT website.