The new NHS community health facilities taking shape on Baslow Road in Bakewell have been named following a public vote.
Over a thousand votes were cast during the six-week voting period and the clear favourite is Newholme Health Centre with 54% of the votes cast.
Voting was as follows:
- Newholme Health Centre: 581 votes
- Bakewell Integrated Health Hub: 130 votes
- Bakewell Health Hub: 161 votes
- Newholme Health Hub: 125 votes
- Newholme Integrated Health Hub: 71 votes
- Total votes for the five options = 1,068 votes.
A sixth option of Bakewell Health Centre was removed following fears it could cause confusion with the existing GP practice at Bakewell Medical Centre.
Construction of the brand new £11m NHS community health centre and ambulance station is taking shape and is due to open this summer (2024) as a purpose-built base for all the NHS community health services currently provided at the outdated Newholme Hospital.
The development is a partnership between Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust and East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust whose former ambulance station was demolished to make way for the new integrated health facilities.
Jim Austin, executive director spokesman for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“This development is a major milestone in the regeneration of NHS healthcare facilities and will enable us to continue to provide a whole range of community-based health services to local residents in accommodation suitable for the delivery of modern care.”
The 19th century listed Newholme Hospital building started life as a workhouse and was earmarked for closure as not suitable for the delivery of modern healthcare, as agreed in the Better Care Closer to Home consultation led by NHS commissioners, in 2017. The hospital site was sold by NHS Property Services in February 2024 to a private developer. Arrangements are in place to enable the outpatient services to remain on site until they move into their new accommodation in Newholme Health Centre in a few months’ time.