Congregational Hall, Greyfriars

It is heartwarming to see another historic building being saved and given a new life.  Building work started on the Old Congregational Hall this month after two health projects  in Shrublands, Gorleston and Greyfriars, Great Yarmouth representing nearly £5m of investment were given the final go ahead.

Kate Gill, Director of Corporate Affairs at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: “This is a significant investment which once again underlines our commitment to ensuring our patients have easy access to high quality services, delivered in a modern, fit for purpose environment where the commitment of the NHS locally to clinical teaching can also be fulfilled.

The scheme at Greyfriars will see the Congregational Hall converted into a permanent home for the neighbouring GP-led health centre and walk-in clinic, which is open 12 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The Greyfriars Health Centre, currently housed in temporary buildings next door  provided a service which was the first of its kind in the region when it opened in May 2009.

“All of the existing services offered at Greyfriars, such as blood tests, weight management and drug and alcohol services, will continue in the new development. We will also be able to make clinical space available for use by our health and social care partners, which means our patients will gain from the added convenience of accessing all the services they need under one roof.”  Construction work is due for completion by summer 2011.