Title: Boston’s New Health Hub: A Move Towards Community-Based Care
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In a welcome development, the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) recently revealed plans for a novel Integrated Health and Care Centre (IHCC) within Boston. Now under the review of the Boston Borough Council, these proposals aim towards a transformative redesign of the previous B&M site. It’s part of the larger plan for the redevelopment of Rosegarth Square.
The proposed building is intended to function as a three-tiered health hub. This hub is to concentrate on patient care outside of a hospital context, with an emphasis on addressing health disparities. It also aims to improve coordination of care and make it more effective. Significant alterations include moving a general medical practice to this centre. Moreover, several health-care services, including the addition of a pharmacy, will be introduced.
A diversity of facilities are planned for the ground floor, such as a pharmacy, a library, community dental services, sexual health clinics, shared clinical areas, and mental health services. The entire first floor is set to be taken up by GP services, with Liquorpond Surgery allocated this whole area, plus designated administrative offices.
The second floor will provide extra administrative spaces. This will support local NHS services, and will include spaces for shared staff support. The project proposers have emphasised the potential for this centre to enhance health and wellbeing across the population of Boston. This is envisaged through a model of care that actively involves the community.
The IHCC is a component of the expansive Rosegarth Square plan. This scheme will also feature a new public park and improved walkways for pedestrians. With a government grant of £14.8 million from the Levelling Up fund, it’s expected that the entire regeneration project will be complete by February 2026.
This article is based on original reporting by lincolnshirelive.co.uk as adapted by The Lincoln Post.
