WESTON'S newest GP centre, which will "help to cut waiting times", has been officially opened.

Last Thursday (December 7), doctors, patients, members of the community and special guests attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of 168 Parklands Medical Centre, located on Anson Road in the Parklands Village development.

Weston MP, John Penrose, attended to show his support and cut the ceremonial ribbon.

The practice's health and care services will be run by 168 Medical Group and Winscombe and Banwell Family Practice, which are part of the Pier Health Group.

The practice will be fully open and operational in January.

Dr John Heather, GP and executive partner at 168 Medical Group, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have this new facility. I’m sure our patients will love it. 

“During the next few weeks we will start to have clinics at the new practice and we plan to be fully open at the beginning of January.” 

Will Walker also attended the opening ceremony. Will, who is a member of the practice's Patient Participation Group, was stationed at RAF Locking from 1962-65 and 1980-85, where the new practice is built from.

He said: “I was delighted to be asked to attend the opening of the new practice, especially having such a close link to Locking and the site of the new surgery. It’s such a wonderful addition to the town and I’m looking forward to coming here for some of my appointments.” 

John Penrose added: “This new medical centre will help to cut waiting times by providing thousands more appointments for local families each year.”

The build was facilitated by the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB).

David Jarrett, chief delivery officer at the ICB, said: “Opening a new GP practice in North Somerset is such a fantastic achievement. 

“Thousands of people in Weston use GP services every day so increasing GP and primary care provision in the town has been a high priority for the NHS locally."

The funding for the practice was partly secured from S106 contributions negotiated by North Somerset Council. This was part of the planning process for housing and employment development around Parklands Village.

Councillor Jenna Ho Marris, executive member for Homes and Health at North Somerset Council, added: “These are top-quality facilities that will increase available GP appointments, which are crucial in supporting the growth of vibrant and healthy communities."