A health centre has officially opened its doors - more than a year after the building was completed.

The long awaited Little Lever Health Centre and Library was built and opened in February 2022 after a long campaign by former councillor Sean Hornby and residents.

But while library services moved into the £5M building the same year, there was delay over health services operating from the centre - with questions asked about why GPs had not moved in.

But now it has been confirmed health services will be based out of the centre from today.

Work got underway in 2019 to build the centre.

The Bolton News: Former councillor Sean Hornby outside health centreFormer councillor Sean Hornby outside health centre (Image: Cllr Sean Hornby)

Mr Hornby has welcomed the news after continuing to push for the health centre to open.

He said: “It’s been a long time coming and it’s annoying knowing the building has been closed for over 12 months with work and modifications.

“As you know I did push for it for some time.

“I am pleased that it is finally happening.

“It’s a modern facility for the people of Little Lever and surrounding areas and there is a lot more space.”

The purpose built Little Lever Library and Health Centre has been one of the borough’s most anticipated new developments after opening in February 2022.

The new surgery will have 12 consultation rooms and will provide three GP surgeries and other medical support, including treatment for long-term conditions in the community.

Annette Walker, Chief Finance Officer for Bolton locality and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re really pleased that Little Lever Health Centre will be available for local residents, to support their health and wellbeing needs and provide access to healthcare closer to home.”

According to the trust, all services in the current Little Lever Health Centre on Mytham Road will be transferred to new location on Market Street.

The GP surgeries that will be moving into the new surgery include Dr Hallikeri & Partner; Dr Subramanian and Bolton Community Practice – which will be available from the new site on Monday June 26 from 8am, with patients notified of this.

The community services will include the district nurse treatment service, anti-coagulation, community heart failure nurses,  MSK paediatric physio,  paediatric clinics,  community midwife clinics,  MSK physio,  and paediatric speech and language.

The centre replaces the town’s 40-year-old health centre — which was deemed no longer fit-for-use by the former Bolton NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The centre was also built with environmentally friendly features, including solar panels.

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