A NEW£1.5m medical centre in Poole which can accommodate up to 13,500 patients has officially opened.

Lifeboat Quay Medical Centre has become the new home for patients previously registered at Carlisle House Surgery in Poole.

The practice opened on Monday and staff from the old practice in Lagland Street, which first operated as a GP surgery in 1922, also made the move across with patients.

Practice manager Jill Tobin said “We are absolutely delighted to be opening the new practice at Lifeboat Quay both on time and within budget which is great news for everyone involved.

"We recognise that this is a major change, which some people may be hesitant about, but we would like to reassure everyone that along with the fantastic new facilities some things will remain the same – the team, the services and the friendly welcome.”

Indeed, not only will the new medical centre keep the old Carlisle House telephone number, there is also no need for existing Carlisle House Surgery patients to re-register at the new practice, as that has automatically taken place.

Regional health chiefs say the new purpose-built medical centre features state-of-the-art facilities, including ten clinical rooms along with a bespoke interior that is designed to be dementia friendly.

Access for patients and visitors is improved with up to 84 available parking spaces on site and a bus stop within a short distance of the surgery.

Ian Biggs, south west director of primary care, NHS England and Improvement, said: “We are delighted to be investing in this new surgery improving access for patients with more modern facilities and fortifies our continuing investment in general practice.”

Both NHS Dorset CCG and NHS England have made significant investment into the site and facilities.

Other partners in the project included Dr Nelms and Partners at Carlisle House Surgery, Greendale Construction Ltd, Carlisle House Surgery Patient Participation Group, NHS England Estates and Technology Transformation Fund, Primary Care Surveyors and Simpson Hilder Associates.

Visit www.lifeboatquaymedicalcentre.nhs.uk for more information.