Clinic for 15,000 patients opens

A new health centre which is expected to treat more than 15,000 patients is being opened in Stoke-on-Trent.

The £8m centre in Shelton, which will house three GP practices and a pharmacy, will offer more services than a traditional doctors' surgery would.

It will offer midwifery services, minor surgery, medical screening for asylum seekers and speech therapy sessions.

It is the third such "polyclinic" to open in the city. Five more are still planned for Stoke-on-Trent.

Ian Gibson, head of planning at Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust, said: "The centre really will transform health and social care services in the local community, not to mention providing fit for purpose accommodation for a dedicated team of professionals keen to meet the needs of patients.

"Having so many services under one roof and being in modern purpose-built premises should make life so much better for patients and staff alike."