Balderstone to get new GP Practice

Balderstone is to get a new GP Practice as part of a strategy to improve access to healthcare in Rochdale's poorest areas.

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale has been given additional funding to add Balderstone to the expansion programme, which will include Heywood, Central Rochdale, Smallbridge and Wardle, and a new GP-led health centre in Middleton.

Like other practices in the scheme, the Balderstone surgery will provide all of the usual GP services like blood tests and health checks. It will also focus on addressing key health issues in the area and prevention of diseases, with Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) being a top priority.

The practice will open early next summer but the exact location has yet to be determined.

Four GPs will be based at the practice, providing services between 8am and 6.30pm, as well as being open an additional four hours per week spread during evenings and on a Saturday.

Vivienne Ben-David, head of primary care at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, said: “Balderstone is in great need of more doctors if we are going to address the health issues in that area. It narrowly missed the final shortlist when we first decided which where the top three wards in most need of more primary care services, so being able to add it at this stage is a huge boost. The team has worked really hard to push for this additional practice.

"Like the other practices being developed, different providers will be able to bid to run the services, including existing GPs, health care providers and private companies. However, they will all be run by a qualified GP on a day to day basis, and we are in the process of deciding which companies will provide these new services."