Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Dr John Ribchester talks
about Whitstable's Estuary View Medical Centre

by Adam Williams

Patients have started coming
through the doors of Whitstable’s new state-of-the-art medical
centre.

The multi-million pound Estuary View Medical Centre
(pictured right) officially opened for business last Thursday
in a spectacular three-storey building just off the Thanet Way,
housing services such as a minor injuries unit and NHS
pharmacy.

Six doctors have relocated from
health centres in Whitstable and Chestfield to the new building,
including GP surgeons Dr John Ribchester and Dr Vernon Brown.

The centre is seen as being a model
for the future of health care, allowing patients to access a range
of services under one roof within one visit.

Dr Ribchester admits feedback has
been overwhelmingly positive so far.

He said: "The NHS thinking is not
to have general practice and hospital care as completely separate,
but to move as many services available to patients into the
community as possible, so that people get better care closer to
home, with shorter waits.

“Our practice is taking a lead in
this and we currently provide a lot of clinics and diagnostic tests
that would have previously been hospital based.

"Feedback has been really positive
and patients seem to really like that they can access these
services closer to home.”

Check out this week's
Whitstable Gazette for more reaction and exlusive behind the scenes
photos.