New health centre opens in town

Critics fear the new surgery in Corby signals the end of the traditional family doctor

A health centre offering people in a Northamptonshire town access to more flexible GP services has been opened.

Health Minister Phil Hope officially opened the Lakeside Plus centre in Corby where people can see a GP seven days a week from 0800 until 2000.

The centre will also offer a nurse-led minor illness service, screening for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases.

It is the first of four new GP health centres set to open across the county.

NHS East Midlands Chief Executive, Barbara Hakin said the service was good news for local people.

She said: "Together with the fact that 85% of family doctor services across Northamptonshire are providing extra appointments during evenings and weekends means that more local people will be able to see a family doctor or a member of their team at a place and time convenient to them."