The Department of Health and Social Security officially opened the Palatine Health Centre at a ceremony on Wednesday 23rd September. 

The new purpose-built surgery at the Strang provides accommodation for a GP surgery, a base for Health Visiting and School Nursing Staff and modern office and clinic facilities.

The Centre is nearly three times bigger than the previous accommodation and will facilitate the continuation of a high quality service for the practice’s patients. 

It has been built in Strang Corner Field, Braddan, for Doctors J. K. Daniels, J. Cretney, C. Garvey and F. Baker, who moved from the previous surgery on Murray’s Road in April this year, as well as Doctors P. Griffiths and J. Needham who have recently joined the practice.

The Official Opening was undertaken by Hon Eddie Teare MHK, Minister for Health and Social Security, who said “I am delighted to be able to open this new facility. 

"The new accommodation provides an excellent environment for staff and patients alike and demonstrates the commitment of the Department to ensure high standards of health care and the continuous improvement of general medical and associated services”.

New features of the surgery include greatly improved access and facilities for people with reduced mobility, a dedicated car park and a well-appointed treatment room for minor operations and other procedures.

In the new waiting area there is a play area for children and a ‘quiet room’ in which patients who are distressed can wait in privacy to see the doctor or nurse.

It will also enable the isolation of patients with infectious illnesses.

The practice’s storage facilities are also much improved, with enhanced space for patient notes and items of stock.

Dr Daniels commented, “We are delighted with our new premises and we are now settling down in them.  We trust that our patients are also finding the new facilities beneficial”.