SEAHAM Primary Care Centre, part of the town’s St John’s Square development, was opened by Lady Ann Calman, Chair of NHS County Durham and Darlington, at an informal ceremony.

The £10m centre is home to two GP practices – Marlborough Practice and New Seaham Medical Group – as well as awide range of other health services, including an urgent care centre.

The centre was procured under the NHS LIFT scheme (Local Improvement Finance Trust), between NHS County Durham and Darlington and Durham & Tees Community Ventures Limited, and was constructed by Carillion plc.

“I am delighted to officially open Seaham’s new Primary Care Centre,” said Lady Ann Calman. “The centre will not only provide high-quality and accessible health services for the people of Seaham and the surrounding area, but make a significant contribution to the regeneration of St John’s Square in the town centre.”

Nigel Fenny, Chief Executive of Durham & Tees Community Ventures, added: “I’m delighted with the new facility and am looking forward to seeing the difference it will make to the local community by bringing services together. Seaham Primary Care Centre is a fabulous example of what can be achieved and delivered through effective partnership working. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the project.”

Services available within the new centre include urgent care, dermatology, continence services, speech and language therapy, audiology, MSK services, podiatry, dietetics, physiotherapy, mental health and an X-ray and ultrasound suite.