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New Reading Walk-in Health Centre opening soon
When Reading's new GP-led health centre opens at the Broad Street Mall on 10 August, one of its highest priorities will be to tackle the health problems which are a key issue in the town and a priority for NHS Berkshire West.Many people are healthier and living longer than ever before. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to share these benefits, said Charles Waddicor, Chief Executive at NHS Berkshire West.
The health of people in Reading shows a mixed picture compared to the rest of England. Infant mortality, early deaths from heart disease and stroke and drug misuse are worse than the England average. Comparison with the least deprived areas of Wokingham shows life expectancy for men in the most deprived areas of Reading is seven years lower; the gap is 4.7 years for women. Priorities for action in Reading are tackling child poverty, child health, mortality from circulatory disease in the under-75s and teenage pregnancy.
These inequalities are unacceptable, added Charles Waddicor. They start early in life and persist not only into old age but into subsequent generations. This is a top priority for NHS Berkshire West and we are focused on narrowing the health gap between different groups and communities and on improving health overall. Reading Walk-in Health Centre is designed to help deliver this goal.
Dr. Gerard D'Cruz, a local GP and chairman of Assura Reading LLP which will be running the new Centre on behalf of NHS Berkshire West, said: We are eager to develop the new Centre with particular emphasis on the key issues in Reading. By offering a walk-in service, with or without an appointment, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, we will make it easier for people to see a GP and that includes those not already registered with a doctor locally or elsewhere.
The new Reading Walk-in Health Centre also plans to focus on young people, mental health services and to offer help with smoking and alcohol. Open from 8am to 8pm, it will also offer an alternative to Accident and Emergency by providing rapid access to treatment for minor ailments.
