by Hayley Robinson

Disabled children and their families are set to benefit from a multi-million pound development.

The £4.4 million centre is due to open in April at the former Meadowfields School site in Attlee Way, Kemsley.

It will bring together health, social care and voluntary professionals under one roof.

These will include pediatricians, speech and language therapists, dentists, social workers and early support workers.

The aim is to improve the care and support given to more than 2,000 Swale children who are disabled or have special educational needs.

The two-storey hub, which measures 1,720sq m, is one of three being created by the NHS and Kent County Council.

The other two, which are in Thanet and Ashford, will cost £4.1m and £5m respectively.

The centres will have a mixture of different-sized examination rooms to be used by GPs, pediatricians and specialist nurses.

There will also be large physiotherapy rooms – which are big enough for full wheelchair assessments – sensory rooms and a soft play area.

Two parent-led charities will be based at the centres, coordinating fun, short breaks and activities.

Charity 4 us 2 will be based in Swale and Thanet and Includes Us 2 will be based in Ashford.

The venues will also be used by community groups to provide training, advice and support for parents, carers and professionals.

Martin Cunnington is senior commissioning manager for disabled children and children with long-term conditions at NHS Kent and Medway.

He said: "This will not only enable parents to tell their story once, but also ensure families receive the right information and support, at the right time, and in the right place.

"A one-stop-shop will also mean appointments can be coordinated so where possible children can see a range of professional on the same day.

"We will be the forerunner in developing a single education, health and care plan from birth to 25 years."

Building work is due to finish in December.