PLANS to improve access to GPs and provide a broader range of health services in Lewes have been recognised by a £55,000 government award for the new health hub in North Street Quarter.

The award comes from The Greater Brighton One Public Estate Programme which supports projects that improve public services, stimulate economic growth and free up land for regeneration.

It was awarded following a joint bid from Lewes District Council and local healthcare partners, including Lewes’s three GP practices who will join forces to offer more services and improved access for local people.

School Hill Medical Practice, St Andrews Surgery and River Lodge Surgery will relocate into the new health hub, while still retaining the Ringmer branch surgery for the community.

The creation of a health hub in the heart of the town will help meet increased demands on local GP practices.

More appointments will be available as the health hub will be open seven days a week and will bring together other healthcare providers including a practice pharmacist, paramedic and nurse specialists.

The grant will be used to design the facilities and spaces inside the hub. Specialist healthcare architects Murphy Philipps have been appointed to carry out the work, which will help health providers to plan their move into the hub and ensure the new premises meet their operational needs.

The external design of the health hub has been carried out by the team of architects working on North Street Quarter and has been given full planning approval.

Dr Jason Heath, GP partner at St Andrews Practice, said: “We are one step closer to being able to offer high quality integrated General Practice from the very heart of the town, in a way that is sustainable and secured for the local community for the future.

“We will now work with architects Murphy Philipps on the specifications of the design on the state-of-the-art premises, which will see an integrated primary and community care facility with the long term aim to transform the delivery of health and social care in the town, and better support people to lead healthy lives.”

Marc Levinson from specialist healthcare architects Murphy Philipps said: “We are very excited to be part of the team on this exciting project to enhance health services for local people.

“We will be working closely with health providers to tailor the new facilities to make sure they meet the needs of the community, and are fit to provide first rate care.”

The North Street Quarter health hub forms part of a wider model for Lewes with the development of a health and social care campus, encompassing both existing facilities and a new facility.

The Lewes Health Campus will be a catalyst for change to health and social care for the whole town of Lewes and wider population.

There is no need for patients registered at the three surgeries to do anything to get a new GP as they remain registered with the GP partners working from Lewes Health Hub.

Updates about the progress of the Health Hub will be posted on the North Street Quarter website. Please visit www.northstreetqtr.co.uk for further information.