Work underway on £2.3m improvements to Waldron Health Centre in New Cross
Residents to benefit from improved facilities, a new community ‘labyrinth’ garden,
increased clinical space, and new community rooms
Health services in south London are to receive a huge boost with work now underway on a £2.3m project to deliver new and improved facilities at Waldron Health Centre in Amersham Vale, New Cross. The four-storey health centre was built in 2008 to offer local residents a range of integrated health and social care services in one state-of-the-art building. Waldron Health Centre has become a vital part of the local community over the past 16 years but, with a growing local population and changes in their health and social care needs, the centre has been earmarked for further investment to remodel and improve the space and services available.
Construction work at Waldron Health Centre is now underway and the £2.3m project will help to deliver a range of improvements including:
– Increased health space and new community areas – Key parts of the Waldron building will be remodelled and refurbished to make more efficient use of the space. This will include creating a new reception area, more clinical space to support the delivery of a wider range of services, a new interview room for medical appointments, and creating new areas for use by community groups
– A new community ‘labyrinth’ garden – A new community garden space will be created outside the main entrance, with trees and plants in a ‘labyrinth’ design, and with a range of seating areas for visitors and local residents to use
– Improved facilities and a better integration of health services – Alongside the major building works, improvements will also be made to heating and ventilation systems, toilets, windows and doors to deliver better facilities for staff and visitors alike. The remodelling works will improve the layout so that the building flows from one space into the next, improving the integration of different health and social care services throughout the building.
Waldron Health Centre was delivered under the NHS LIFT Programme which brings together Community Health Partnerships (a key part of the NHS family), alongside health investor Fulcrum. The improvement works at Waldron are being delivered by a range of key partners including South East London Integrated Care System, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, North Lewisham Primary Care Network and One Health Lewisham. The works have been carefully planned so that existing health and social services in the building can continue to operate while construction takes place. Construction is expected to be completed over the summer.
Ceri Jacob, Lewisham Place Executive Lead, SEL ICB said: “I am delighted that the work on the Waldron is underway. Service providers and local residents are working together to ensure the refurbishment results in enhanced facilities for local residents and clinical staff and that it supports integrated and joined up services for the local population.”
Fulcrum General Manager Ian Butterworth said: “Waldron already plays a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community but
we are always looking for ways to increase and improve the facilities available to residents. By creating more clinical space for NHS staff, new areas for community groups, improved visitor facilities and a new community garden, the improvement works now underway will be a huge boost to local residents at such an important time for community health. We look forward to seeing these exciting improvements taking shape at the Waldron over the coming weeks.”
North Lewisham Primary Care Network said: “As the transformation of Waldron Health Centre begins, I am filled with hope and anticipation for the positive impact it will bring to our community. Through enhanced facilities and integrated services, we are not just building structures; we are cultivating a nurturing environment where health and well-being
thrive. Let us embark on this journey with determination, knowing that every step forward brings us closer to a healthier and stronger community. We at North Lewisham PCN are eagerly looking forward to being at the heart of the Waldron, supporting patients with care navigation from the welcome desk on the ground floor. Through collaboration with our NHS colleagues working in the building, we will guide and assist our community on their journey to better health and wellness.”
Dr Neil Goulbourne, Chief Strategy, Partnerships and Transformation Officer for Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust said: “As a Trust, we’re proud to work with our partners to deliver services in the Waldron Health Centre. I’m so pleased that this refurbishment is underway and that it will further develop the exceptional care we provide to the people of New Cross and wider south east London. Not only will the works provide more room and capacity for clinical care and other healthcare activity, the improvements to both the built environment and to our ability to work with our partner organisations inside and outside of the Waldron add up to huge benefits for the local communities we serve. I can’t wait to visit the new community garden and see how the Waldron has evolved!”
Elizabeth Fletcher, Capital Programme Manager at Community Health Partnerships: “The variation project at Waldron Health Centre has been a long time coming and I am delighted construction has now started. CHP has had an integral role, working with both our public and private sector partners in making this happen. The project will support CHPs strategic aim to utilise existing high-quality LIFT buildings to enable improved healthcare delivery in local communities, as we set to work on securing the future of NHS LIFT Assets. The variation will provide a number of benefits for both staff and patients of the health centre. I very much look forward to seeing the project come into fruition”.
Karen Sadler, Chief Operating Officer at One Health Lewisham said: “We are excited about the ongoing improvement works at the Waldron. As a hub for some of our specialist clinics, the refurbishment will enhance the overall patient experience. Our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services remains unwavering, and we believe that these upgrades will positively impact our patients and staff alike.”