A health centre in Bournemouth is to be refurbished and reopened to the public, bringing modern healthcare facilities into the heart of the community.
Winton Health Centre stopped providing patient clinics in 2023 but, thanks to a £1.2 million NHS investment, will soon host a GP practice and a host of community health services.
Dorset HealthCare, NHS Dorset and the Banks and Bearwood Medical Practice are leading the project and works to revamp the existing Alma Road site are set to begin in February, with completion expected by summer 2026.
Owned by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, the building carries a covenant requiring it to be used for clinical purposes.
Once complete, the nearby Banks and Bearwood Medical Practice in Wimborne Road intend to transfer into the modern, fit-for-purpose, facility. The new look, expanded practice will include six consulting rooms, providing improved access to appointments and primary care services for local residents.
In addition to GP services, Dorset HealthCare will host a range of community-based services from the new Winton Neighbourhood Health Centre, including:
- paediatric services
- child speech and language therapy
- podiatry
- leg ulcer clinics
- community oncology
- heart failure clinics
- health visitors, school and district nursing
- mental health talking therapies.
The site is well positioned to serve the local community, offering on-site parking and excellent public transport links.
The project forms part of the NHS’ wider commitment to deliver healthcare services within local communities, ensuring that people can access the support they need, closer to home.
Banks and Bearwood GP partner Dr. Yasser Kerim said:
“This is an exciting development for the Winton community. The new health centre will provide modern, high-quality facilities that will allow patients to access a wide range of services close to home. We’ll also be able to provide more appointments, meaning people can be seen more quickly.”
Rachel Small, Chief Operating Officer for Dorset HealthCare, added:
“Our aim is to make healthcare more accessible for local people, bring together lots of services on one site, and this investment in Winton is a great example of that commitment in action.”
Before work begins, stakeholder engagement sessions and residents’ meetings will be held to ensure the community is kept informed and that any potential disruption is minimised.