Velvet Walk health centre, Manor Park set for refurb cash

The investment in Centre Manor Park was announced this week as part of the Government’s national scheme to expand Neighbourhood Health Centres and bring services closer to home.

It is the first site in north east London to receive funding under the scheme.

Dr Nnenna Osuji, chief executive of NHS North East London, said: "This funding will make a real difference to people in Newham and mean we can offer thousands more appointments, bring specialist support for some of our most vulnerable children into the community, and make better use of the space we have.

"Being part of the first wave of the national Neighbourhood Health Centre programme is a significant milestone. It reflects the ambition across north east London to bring care closer to the people who need it most."

The refurbishment will reconfigure and modernise the health centre, adding new clinical rooms and creating a dedicated service for children and young people affected by sexual abuse.

Known as the Sunrise Hub, the new space will offer a safe and welcoming environment for specialist support and early help.

Five new clinical rooms will be built on the first floor, including two treatment rooms and dedicated space for women’s services.

The centre was selected for its potential to deliver rapid improvements and support integrated neighbourhood care, bringing together GPs, community nurses, and other services under one roof.

As one of the most deprived areas in England, Newham stands to benefit from the expansion of local, easily accessible healthcare.

The project is part of the Government’s goal to establish a Neighbourhood Health Centre in every community in England by 2035, with 120 expected to be operational by 2030. It will also support delivering care in the community and reduce reliance on hospital-based services.