WIREDGOV

A £5m investment to develop a new integrated health and social care centre in Flint has been approved by Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford.

The new centre will accommodate two of the town’s GP practices, community clinics, community dental services, occupational therapy and social services and provide a base for district nurses and health visitors.

A number of new services will also be relocated in Flint, including physiotherapy assessment, adult community mental health and a range of consultant-led clinics providing diagnosis, review and prescribing for patients who would otherwise be seen in hospital; these clinics will be supported by telemedicine technology.

The new centre will also provide local access to a range of third sector information and advice services, including strengthened provision for carers groups and services.

It will be adjacent to 73 state-of-the-art extra care apartments, developed by Pennaf Housing Association in partnership with Flintshire Council, which are due for completion in autumn 2018. These apartments will include a range of accommodation for high and lower-level need, including for people with dementia.

Professor Drakeford said:

“I’m very pleased to approve this £5m investment for the development of the integrated health and social care centre for Flint – this is a key element of the combined £30m public sector investment being made in the regeneration of the town.

“The new centre will help improve outcomes for the local population by bringing health and social services together under one roof, allowing us to provide enhanced, joined-up services closer to people’s homes.

“This multi-million pound investment in health and social care in Flint puts an emphasis on prevention, self-management and local services, which will help people to maintain their independence at home for longer and will contribute to improved patient outcomes and make local services more sustainable in the longer term.”

The new centre will replace and integrate services and accommodation provided from a number of sites, including Borough Grove Clinic and the former Flint Hospital.

It is one of three integrated health and social care centres being developed across North Wales, alongside Llangollen and Blaenau Ffestiniog.