REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has written to senior NHS leaders seeking clarity on the future of the Hill Crest site and how it could support new neighbourhood health service models for local residents.
The move follows recent meetings with leadership at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, including Acting Chief Executive Stephen Collman, where discussions focused on emerging neighbourhood health centre models designed to bring different health professionals together to better coordinate care.
Under models already operating in other areas, multidisciplinary teams (including GPs, community nurses, therapists and other specialists) work side-by-side in a shared space to coordinate support for a relatively small number of patients with the most complex needs.
These patients often require input from multiple services and can account for a disproportionate share of NHS resources.
By tracking cases collectively and sharing information in real time, neighbourhood health teams aim to reduce duplication, cut delays and significantly improve outcomes for those who most need joined-up care.
Mr Bloore understands that Hill Crest is being actively considered as a potential site for this type of collaborative working in Redditch.
He has now written to local NHS leaders to seek detailed information on how the site fits into those plans, what its current and future use will be and whether any services operating there would be directly accessible to the public.
Mr Bloore said: “Many residents have asked me what the future holds for Hill Crest.
“I’ve raised those questions directly with local NHS leaders and made clear that people in Redditch deserve honest, detailed answers.
“These neighbourhood health models bring professionals into the same room to better coordinate care, avoid delays and improve outcomes for patients with the most complex needs.
“If Hill Crest can play a role in delivering that kind of joined-up care, then local people should be told how, when and what that will mean in practice.
“I’ll keep pressing for straight answers and will share details with residents as plans develop.”
Mr Bloore emphasised that in other parts of the country, neighbourhood health centres were primarily focused on professional collaboration rather than traditional walk-in or outpatient services.
However, he said clarity was essential so residents understood how the site would be used and how it contributed to strengthening local healthcare.
He encouraged residents with questions or concerns about Hill Crest or wider NHS services to contact his office so their views can be reflected in ongoing discussions.
