Salford's Health Investment for Tomorrow
5 Projects that are changing the face of health services in Salford
The Service Model
The service philosophy for the Gateway Centres builds on the principles of the SHIFT vision and Department of Health Guidance. Applying these principles in an integrated health and social care setting has resulted in a service model which assumes:
- People will attend the centre to access either health-related services or Local Authority support
- Through the convenience of town-centre location, there is a greater likelihood of attendance
- Through careful design, the buildings will feel neither overtly clinical nor intimidating. The overall impact of the environment is intended to create a sense of confidence, efficiency and high quality standards.
Members of the public attending any of the centres on either a drop in basis or for an appointment will be greeted at a central reception area by staff trained to deal with enquiries and to make appointments for health or Local Authority services either contained within the building or a selection provided elsewhere. Anyone wishing to make a confidential enquiry will be offered the opportunity to be dealt with in a discrete area.
Access around the buildings are designed to enable young, old, disabled and those with young children or dependents to move easily and freely around public areas. The privacy and dignity of those attending for any reason is protected by the design and the skills of attending staff.
GP practices have been incorporated into three Health and Social Care Centres (Eccles, Pendleton and Walkden). The presence of these GP practices is considered to be vital in these centres to encourage a high footfall into the facilities.
Services offered from the centres will be provided over extended days and beyond the traditional General Practice surgery times. It is anticipated that this will encourage the attendance of people who traditionally avoid seeking help and advice, such as young men and shift workers. Also through these extended hours and improved access, the centres should be seen as an asset within the community and foster a sense of pride and ownership.