LONG-HELD hopes of a modern medical centre to serve thousands of people from across south Waveney look set to finally get off the ground this spring.Proposals to build a one-stop-shop for healthcare in Reydon have been in the pipeline for several years and now it is hoped that the scheme will be given the final rubber stamp by the NHS in March.

LONG-HELD hopes of a modern medical centre to serve thousands of people from across south Waveney look set to finally get off the ground this spring.

Proposals to build a one-stop-shop for healthcare in Reydon have been in the pipeline for several years and now it is hoped that the scheme will be given the final rubber stamp by the NHS in March.

The South Waveney Healthy Living Centre would take in services from Southwold hospital, the town's York Road surgery and offer a range of medical care for people from across the area, including Halesworth, Wangford, Wrentham and Blythburgh.

A site on the Eversley playing field on Wangford Road in Reydon has already been chosen for the �9m project, which will revolutionise healthcare in the area.

It is hoped that the new centre will eventually be home to a GPs surgery, a dental surgery and a community pharmacy. It is also planned to offer a base for district nurses, facilities for physiotherapy and occupational therapy and acute NHS community beds.

Andy Peck, head of estates and risk for NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: “This is an exciting project for everyone living in the south Waveney area and for us at the primary care trust.

“The centre, if approved, will serve 22,000 people and will support the development of integrated health services. Including GP provision, there will be a range of community services at the centre, allowing local people to access a range of services without having to travel long distances to hospital for some treatment.

“The centre is intended to be an asset to the south Waveney area. Reydon was chosen as a preferred location, with one of the reasons being its geographical location and its ability to serve the local area.”

It is also hoped that the health centre will be able to provide improved social and welfare services, including a home carers' network.

The board of NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney has already agreed the scheme in principle and now the finishing touches are being made to a full business case setting out the costs involved, which is scheduled to go before the board in March.

Formal plans for the building have been submitted to Waveney District Council and a decision is expected to be made within the next couple of months.