Local MP pleased with progress at new Health Centre - Heald Green set to get top spec new facilities

3.54.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

Local MP Mark Hunter joined Ray Goodyear of Stockport Primary Care Trust in a visit to the construction site that will soon be Heald Green's brand new Health Centre.

Mr Hunter and Mr Goodyear were taken round the building by site manager Mike Gleaves, who explained the progress of each stage of the build.

Mr Hunter was struck by the size of the new building, which Mr Goodyear explained was over three times the size of the old Health Centre it will replace. Heald Green residents are currently using temporary facilities on Outwood Road.

Mr Hunter said "Many people, both doctors and patients, told me how happy they were to move to the temporary Health Centre on Outwood Road, but they're in for a surprise when they see the new building! Not only will it be brand new, but it's already light and airy, with wide corridors and big open public areas."

The new building, next to the Library on Finney Lane, is being constructed to an extremely high standard, with modern sound and heat insulation that exceeds national standards.

The purpose of Mr Hunter's visit was of course to check that everything is proceeding smoothly and he was not disappointed - speaking after his visit he said, "I'm really pleased with the new building so far, and I'm also impressed with how efficiently the site is running. Mike Gleaves is doing a great job, and he's told me that everything is on schedule to be completed by the end of the year. The new Health Centre will be a fantastic and essential resource for the local community - I hope all its staff and patients can wait just a little longer - it'll definitely be worth it!"