A STATE of the art healthcare hub could be created on part of Worthing Civic Centre car park as part of a pioneering plan to improve public services.

In a bid to make best use of its land and improve the quality of care received by patients, Worthing Borough Council is developing a proposal to create a one-stop hub on part of the town hall car park in Stoke Abbott Road.

The £18.5 million plan could see brand new facilities providing primary care, such as GP surgeries, alongside community care services, which includes mental health provision, social care and clinical nurses.

The hope is that by bringing seven of the town’s current health providers together on one site would save the taxpayer money, by replacing outdated facilities which are increasingly becoming unsustainable to run; while ensuring that patients receive a better standard of care.

Councillors agreed to push ahead with the plan after a discussion at a key town hall meeting this week.

The hope is that work could start on site by 2019.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “It’s no secret that the UK’s population is getting older which means that there is an increasing demand for services, something our local NHS is not always able to meet.

“This pioneering plans has to potential to ensure that residents receive top quality care in modern facilities - and all while making best use of public resources. It truly is a win-win for Worthing.”