Dudley MP, Sonia Kumar has brought together senior NHS and property leaders to advance her campaign to bring more healthcare services into Dudley town centre.
Sonia convened a meeting with Rob Ellis, Director of Shopping Centres at LCP and David Melbourne, Chair of the Black Country Integrated Care Board, to discuss how the successful Health on the High Street model could be delivered in Dudley.
The discussions focused on using vacant or underused high street premises to provide more accessible NHS and community healthcare services while supporting the wider regeneration of Dudley town centre.
As an NHS physiotherapist, Sonia has made improving access to healthcare one of her key priorities since entering Parliament. Earlier this year, she secured a commitment from Government Ministers to discuss how Dudley could benefit from the Government's programme to develop neighbourhood health centres after raising the issue in the House of Commons.
Health on the High Street would bring a range of NHS and community services into the heart of Dudley, making it easier for residents to access care closer to where they live, work and shop.
Potential services could include physiotherapy, diagnostics, health checks, vaccination clinics, mental health support, community nursing and other preventative healthcare services.
The approach has already been successfully introduced elsewhere in the UK, improving access to healthcare while increasing footfall for surrounding businesses and helping to revitalise struggling town centres.
Following the meeting, Sonia has also launched a public survey inviting residents to help shape what Health on the High Street could look like in Dudley.
Ms Kumar said: “Through my experience of working within the NHS, I know that the earlier people can access care, the better the outcomes for patients and the NHS alike.
"Health on the High Street is about bringing healthcare into the heart of our communities, making it easier for people to get the support they need while breathing new life into our town centre.
"I'm delighted to have brought together LCP and the Black Country Integrated Care Board to discuss how this model could work here in Dudley. By working together, we have a real opportunity to improve access to healthcare, reduce pressure on hospitals and GP practices, and support the regeneration of our high street.
"I also want local people to shape these plans. That's why I've launched my Health on the High Street survey, so residents can tell me what services they would like to see and help strengthen the case for bringing this investment to Dudley."
Rob Ellis, Director, Shopping Centres, LCP, part of M Core, said: "Bringing NHS care to high streets and shopping centres is transforming how communities access healthcare, making it more convenient, effective, and supportive.
"By locating services such as minor illness consultations, health checks, diagnostics, vaccinations and wellbeing support in town centres and shopping areas, patients receive help closer to home which reduces the need for hospital or GP visits, frees up appointments for those who need them most and cuts travel time and cost, particularly for people without cars or limited time.
"We have quite a few locations in the UK with reported improved engagement, higher attendance rates and better outcomes for screening and preventative services.
"These hubs lift footfall, support neighbouring businesses, and help regenerate high streets by returning vacant units to active use and valuable new purpose."
Sonia's Health on the High Street campaign forms part of her wider vision to improve health outcomes across Dudley by tackling health inequalities, bringing healthcare closer to local communities and ensuring regeneration delivers lasting benefits for residents.
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