As Devizes’ cutting-edge health centre prepares to celebrate its first anniversary this week, the milestone comes with impressive statistics highlighting its pivotal role in community healthcare.
Since its official opening on February 22nd, 2023, the state-of-the-art facility has provided care for over 59,000 individuals, with an average of more than 230 patients attended to each day.
Positioned as the town’s flagship health and care location, Devizes Health Centre has emerged as a beacon of integrated healthcare. Offering a comprehensive array of services under one roof, including GP appointments alongside outpatient clinics and community care, the centre has epitomised innovation and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Richard Sanford-Hill, a dedicated GP at the centre, expressed pride in the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from the local community. He underscored the centre’s status as a trailblazer for the NHS, firmly rooted in the heart of Wiltshire and poised to serve generations to come.
With its commitment to sustainability, Devizes Health Centre sets a high standard as a 100% energy-efficient facility, utilising heat pumps and solar panels to generate its own power. Moreover, it serves as a hub for urgent care, offering same and next-day care for patients referred directly from nearby GP practices, thereby enhancing accessibility and convenience for local residents.
The success of Devizes Health Centre has garnered national recognition, with Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board being selected as one of only two ADEPT pilot sites by NHS England. The Activity Driven Estates Planning Tool, employed by the board, facilitates evidence-based planning for future healthcare facilities, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to meet the evolving needs of the population.
Simon Yeo, Assistant Director of Estates for the Integrated Care Board, highlighted the pivotal role of Devizes Health Centre in paving the way for innovative healthcare planning. Looking ahead, the board aims to leverage the insights gained from the tool to expand access to care closer to patients’ homes and identify areas where future health centres like Devizes will be most beneficial.
For residents seeking further information about Devizes Health Centre and other local health and care services, comprehensive details can be found online at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.
