A new minor injuries unit in Herne Bay is set to open THIS SUMMER as part of a radical transformation of healthcare in the town.

Similar to the Estuary View Medical Centre in Whitstable, it will be based at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital’s rehabilitation unit in King Edward Avenue.

Health bosses have handed the contract to run the centre to a group of GP practices in the town, saying the scheme will help ease pressure on hospitals.

“It is good news and it will be very hard work from now on to set it up,” said Gillian Fowler, the chairman of the hospital’s League of Friends.

“The unit will be an added bonus for the town and it is brilliant that our doctors have got the contract for it.

“We are going to start work now and it means it is all systems go for Herne Bay.”

To be called the Herne Bay Integrated Care Centre (ICC), it will be led by nurses.

Health bosses at the Canterbury and Coastal Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are behind the scheme, which will also include wound and day clinics, as well as X-ray and MRI services.

“It will provide a fantastic resource for the town,” the CCG’s Simon Perks said.

"It will provide a fantastic resource for the town..." - Gillian Fowler

“This is part of our vision to improve local care, giving better access to care and support in people’s own communities.

“The ICC will act as a hub where patients can access a range of urgent and outreach services and access to diagnostics, such as X-ray and MRI.”

Last week, CCG bosses awarded the ICC contract to four GP practices in the town following a tender process.

Doctors from Park Surgery in Kings Road, St Anne’s in Station Road, Coach House Surgery in Canterbury Road and William Street surgery will all unite to run the centre.

“The hub will include a range of additional services, including urology, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), wound and day clinics,” Mr Perks added.

“Currently, people in Herne Bay have to travel to Canterbury, Margate or Whitstable to use these services.

“The ICC will launch over three phases – the first of which, the minor injuries unit, is expected to be running in summer this year.”