Inspiring athlete's health centre launch

British athlete Holly Bleasdale officially opened the brand new Barbara Castle Way Health Centre in Blackburn recently.

European pole vaulting champion Holly, 20, who is a member of Blackburn Harriers and is expected to take part in the London Olympics later this year, unveiled a plaque during the opening ceremony.

The event was attended by local dignitaries and NHS staff who provide services in the centre.

Afterwards, Holly met sports science students from Blackburn College, which is next door to the health centre, and took part in an informal question and answer session.

The state of the art Barbara Castle Way Health Centre, which opened to patients last November, was built to make it easier for people to access a wide range of health services in a convenient town centre location, including some that patients previously had to attend hospital for.

These include x-ray and ultrasound and consultant led dermatology clinics. Other services available in the new centre include GP practices, community dentistry, a treatment room, minor ops and outpatients.

Sir Bill Taylor, a non-executive director of NHS Lancashire and locality lead for Blackburn with Darwen, said: “Barbara Castle Way Health Centre brings together many of the 21st century health and well being facilities and services that patients need and deserve and it is on so many people's doorsteps. I have visited and used the services housed within this impressive building and believe it is the shape of things to come.

“Holly Bleasdale is an inspiring role model and we are delighted and proud that she agreed to open our health centre and speak to young people.”

Dr Chris Clayton, Chair of Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We know that, where appropriate, we get the best health outcomes when patients are treated in the community rather than in hospital. We are committed to providing more healthcare this way and we welcome the opening of a fantastic facility like Barbara Castle Way Health Centre because this is what makes it all possible.”