First health and wellbeing centre opens on island

The first wellbeing centre on the Isle of Wight has opened its doors.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said the facility, which is situated in Newport's High Street, would be marking "a major step forward in improving local health services".

It said the aim was to bring together services for both physical and mental health in a "welcoming" and "modern" space, accessible for everyone.

The trust said the centre had been shaped by feedback to ensure it met the needs of the community.

The trust described the centre as having "a spacious, open-plan layout with a warm and welcoming atmosphere".

It has 11 therapy and treatment rooms offer a range of support for both physical and mental health.

Confidential spaces are also available to manage new referrals and private areas for remote consultations.

The facility will bring together community nurses, physical therapists, community mental health teams, and psychological therapies.

Lucy Abel, deputy director of operations at the trust, called it "a very exciting development for our community and staff".

She said: "Health and care professionals will now be able to collaborate with each other in one location, meaning they can more easily work together to share professional experience and expertise which will enhance both staff and patient experience of care."

The trust said appointments were required and that the centre's café was expected to open in the coming weeks, with the exact timing to be confirmed.

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