Press Releases

February 27 2006

Ceremony marks milestone for Openshaw health clinic

To mark a major milestone in the construction of the state-of-the art health centre in Openshaw, GP, Dr Steve Farrar, performed the ‘Topping out’ ceremony, which involves burying branches of a Yew Tree in the structure on Friday 24 February. 

‘Topping out’ has been a tradition of the construction industry for decades and it has two main purposes.  Firstly it is intended to thank all those involved for the successful progress of the building to its highest point and secondly, the use of the Yew branch is believed to bring good luck for the future success of the building.

Just a stone’s throw from the current surgery on Capital Road, the new £3 million centre on Ashton Old Road will really bring healthcare in Openshaw into the 21^st Century. The health centre will house all five GPs and offer a wide range of facilities across a vast 1, 270 sq mtr space including antenatal and midwifery, child assessment, a community alcohol team, family planning and a range of counselling services, physiotherapy, and alternative medicine such as acupuncture. Community meetings, health clinics and well woman/man classes will mean that residents, for the first time, will be able to play a significant part in their own healthcare.

The project is funded by the MaST LIFT partnership which comprise 10 public sector partners including Primary Care Trusts, Councils and Greater Manchester Ambulance Services and MaST LIFTCo, a property development joint venture company.  Built by construction partner Laing O’Rourke, the centre is scheduled to open by the end of 2006.

The O’Driscolls have had a family practice in Openshaw for over 70 years. GP, Dr Gary O’Driscoll, commenting on the new health centre said: "The current building has served local people in Higher Openshaw for over half a century but it is now too small and old fashioned. The new purpose built centre will provide our existing patients with first class medical care and allow us to re-open our list so we can take on new people from the rapidly growing local population.  The size and design of the building will allow for the ever-changing requirements of our community.”

Jo Purcell, Director of Health Development for North Manchester Primary Care NHS Trust added "These are exciting developments for local people and will provide not only much needed new facilities for the existing health services but also the opportunity to develop further services and resources. The development of new purpose built premises will ensure we can deliver the highest standard of medical practice in Openshaw" 

Tom Russell, chief executive of New East Manchester Ltd said: “This clinic will play a key part in the physical and social regeneration of Openshaw. Renewal is not just about creating new homes. It is about creating sustainable communities. This new centre will not only help improve the health and well being of the existing population but will offer benefits for future generations."

“This building is a real eye catcher.” said MaST LIFT CO Chief Executive Richard Groome “with a stunning fully glazed atrium at the public entrance. It will make a real improvement to the facilities and appearance of the local area, and is due to complete by the end of the year.”