Building work has now begun on the first phase of a brand-new NHS facility in the centre of Longton, which will provide a range of GP, pharmacy and walk-in services when it is completed next year.

The Longton Health Centre project is being led by the Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Group in partnership with the City Council, following calls from the local MP, other representatives and community groups in the south of the city.

Commenting, Jack said, “Improving health facilities in the south of the City is something I have long called for and it is fantastic to now see construction underway on the new facility.  Further north, people can go to the walk-in centre at the Haywood, but around Longton and other nearby communities, people often have no choice but to go to the Royal Stoke, which further puts pressure onto doctors and nurses at the main hospital.

“This new centre will massively help improve health outcomes for our local communities, bringing together GP and pharmacy services with other community-based health services, all under one roof close to the centre of the town.”

Cllr Lorraine Beardmore, Councillor for Blurton East, said, “The health centre is a very welcome addition to our community, it means that residents no longer have to travel further afield to have access to essential medical facilities.”

Cllr Asman Ali, Councillor for Longton East, said, “I’m really pleased to see the NHS investing in our area by providing state of the art medical facilities including a walk-in centre, it’s been a long time needed so I’m delighted to see works are underway.”