CONCERNS have been raised over some aspects of the new Devizes Health Centre, which is due to open later this summer.

More than 2,500 people responded to a survey ran on of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BSW CCG). 

Some of the biggest concerns are about the current transport in place, and the lack of a Minor Injuries Unit.

Those who responded said that there is a need for a fast and frequent bus service to and from the town centre, so that people who don't have a car can get to the centre easily. 

10 per cent of people said they would use bus transport, followed by walking and taking the bus as the next most popular options.

One person who commented on the issue said: "In principle good but please be mindful that buses stop running every 30 minutes after 3pm. That means you could be stuck to return to the town centre for possibly one hour." 

Another said: "More buses as 30 minutes wait in bad weather isn’t good for anyone." 

Dr Andrew Girdher, Clinical Chair of BSW CCG, said: "The feedback received has been invaluable, especially around important areas such as transport, accessibility and signage.

"It has also been clear that the people of Devizes would like the opportunity to find out more about their new health centre, including what services will be on offer and how they can be accessed.”

Other comments included disappointment that Devizes would not be getting a Minor Injury Unit, the need for ample free parking to minimise stress to patients, requests for more women’s services, such as a menopause clinic, concerns over a lack of x-ray and scanning facilities and an on-site pharmacy.

Healthwatch Wiltshire ran the survey and have published the report.

Catharine Symington, Healthwatch Wiltshire Interim Manager, said: “While many are excited by the prospect of the new facility there were a number of concerns which we’ve highlighted to BSW CCG and the Project Board.

“We know that the CCG have listened to your feedback and has already started to look at ways of improving information so people will have a better understanding of what services will be offered, and how people’s ideas could be used to inform the project. We will continue to work with the CCG on how these changes can be implemented as the project nears completion.”