'New healthcare centre in our town centre would boost footfall' says Dudley MP
“What if our town centre could become a place that not only supports our local economy but also improves people’s health and wellbeing?”
Dudley MP Sonia Kumar says a new healthcare hub in the town centre would bring benefits for regeneration.
Ms Kumar, a former NHS physiotherapist, is calling for a Health on the High Street centre in Dudley which she says would make health, wellbeing and community support more accessible.
She also believes a hub on the High Street would increase footfall in the town centre, especially when the West Midland Metro tram link and new bus interchange are completed.
Ms Kumar said: “When people think about the future of Dudley town centre, they often focus on shops, businesses and regeneration. Those things are important, but I believe we should think even bigger.
“What if our town centre could become a place that not only supports our local economy but also improves people’s health and wellbeing?
“Too often services can feel confusing, difficult to navigate and spread across multiple locations.
“If we are serious about reducing health inequalities, we need to think differently about how healthcare is delivered.
“Bringing services directly into the heart of our community is one practical way of doing that. Prevention is every bit as important as treatment, and the easier we make it for people to access support, the more likely they are to seek help early.”
Ms Kumar raised the issue in The House of Commons when she asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray MP, for a meeting to discuss speeding up healthcare delivery.
Mr Murray said: “She is absolutely right to raise the importance of making sure healthcare is easily accessible in places like high streets where people can access it quickly.”
The Government is planning to create 250 new neighbourhood health centres and is aiming to deliver 120 of those by 2030.
Mr Murray added: “That is part of our plan to make sure healthcare gets right into every local neighbourhood and community.”
Ms Kumar said: “I was encouraged by the positive response from ministers and by the Government’s commitment to expanding neighbourhood healthcare services.
“Now I want to ensure Dudley is at the forefront of that conversation.”
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