The new Eastbourne Station Health Centre has reached a key milestone just six months after it opened.
The centre, which can be found on the concourse at Eastbourne’s main railway station, is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, and offers a walk-in service, which anyone can use, to see a GP or nurse.
That’s regardless of whether people live locally or whether they are registered as a patient with the centre or another doctor’s practice elsewhere.
Its now been confirmed that since opening its doors in November 2009 the centre has seen almost four thousand people as ‘walk-in’ patients, that’s an average of dozens of people a day.
Nic Gowers is the local manager from South East Health who run Eastbourne Station Health Centre on behalf of NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald.
Nic said:
"Everyone at the centre is delighted with how popular the walk in service has proved and I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and dedication.
It’s amazing when you look at how many people we have helped since we opened late last year.
The walk in service allows people to see a GP or nurse at a time and place which is more convenient to them, especially if they are a visitor to Eastbourne or are not registered with a GP as a patient.
We can also treat minor injuries such as sprains and strains, minor burns and small cuts which may need stitches."
Comments from people who have used the walk in service include:
"Everyone was very friendly, very good service. I’d use the service again and recommend it to other people"
"Thank you for all that was done for my son"
"It’s so nice to have somewhere to go when there are no surgeries open and it’s in a good position. I’m pleased to be able to visit when I’m in need of a doctor without all the fuss and bother of trying to book an appointment on the phone!"
"The service was excellent and their approach and ability to discuss so many health issues in one session was superb. I have taken a note of lifestyle changes I need to make from this one session. Thank you!!"
"Made to feel very welcome and not a nuisance at all, lovely doctor and lovely ambiance".
Murray King, Head of Primary Care for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald, added:
"I would like to thank all the staff at the Eastbourne Station Health Centre for their efforts over the past six months.
The centre was set up to help give people living or working in Eastbourne, as well as tourists and visitors, an easy way to get advice and care from a GP or nurse, especially in the evenings or at weekends.
With over 3,900 people seen as walk in patients since November last year, it seems that the service is proving popular."
People can also register as a patient at Eastbourne Station Health Centre, just like any other GP practice, with over 400 patients already signed up.
These patients are able to make use of a wide range of services, all during the centre’s extended opening hours. These services include:
* the ability to book advance appointments and request a specific GP
* access to all chronic disease clinics including full diabetic, asthma and cardiac reviews
* advice and care on sexual health
* advice and support to stop smoking
* childhood immunisation
The centre is working very closely with a range of local organisations to help encourage anyone who may not have access to a GP locally for one reason or another to use the services it offers. For example, people who are homeless.
