2010 start hope on health centre

WORK on a new Werneth health centre could begin in 2010, subject to all paperwork being completed.

Health boss Shauna Dixon, director of clinical leadership for NHS Oldham, said the state-of-art centre planned near the former St John’s Church in Featherstall Road South, will feature a range of services under one roof.

She said the aim of the centre was to engage with the community and bring services to people more closer to home.

Mrs Dixon added: “There will be an increase in population with the new housing in the area.

“The centre will offer an extended service under one roof, which means that you won’t have to travel to hospital. We also want to reduce waiting times.”

She highlighted that car parking would be an issue but is hoping to resolve that by encouraging people to car share, cycle or use public transport.

The new centre will house self-help care, a dental practice, community nursing, counselling service, a pharmacy, podiatry, optometry and speech and language services.

Councillor Fida Hussain said it was fantastic news for Werneth but asked if having a pharmacy in the new centre would force local pharmacies to close.

Mrs Dixon said she wasn’t aware of that at this stage.




Extra patrols to target lout gangs



GANGS of youths involved in anti-social behaviour are being targeted in Werneth.



PC Paul Wickers highlighted some of the work being carried out in the area including Oxford Street

He said more officers were patrolling the area after 10pm, where search warrants have been executed for drugs and other offences.

Councillor Fida Hussain said cars causing obstruction and racing down Oxford Street was a regular occurrence. PC Wickers said fixed penalty notices will be issued to anyone that causes an obstruction.