THE finishing touches to the new Thurrock Health Centre are taking place ahead of the opening on Monday (May 31).

The former Woolworths store in Grays High Street will offer GP and nurse appointments to registered patients, as well as walk-in services to those who are not registered from 8am to 8pm.

Marc Davis, Director of Primary and Community Care at NHS South West Essex, said: "We are delighted that two years of hard work and commitment to bring south west Essex its first GP service open 12 hours a day, 365 days a year, is almost complete.

“Any patient - wherever they live - will be able to walk-in and wait to see a GP or nurse at the Thurrock Health Centre, which is a huge step forward for the residents of Grays and beyond.”

The three-storey premises offers 1,292 metres-squared of floor space dedicated to healthcare.

The ground floor has been refurbished to offer GP services including 10 consulting rooms, three treatment rooms, a room just for examinations and blood testing, two waiting areas, two reception areas - one for booked appointments and the other for walk-in appointments.

The former shop window also has an area with computers giving people free access to health-related websites.

NHS South West Essex has appointed College Health Ltd to provide the GP services at the centre.

Dr Pro Mallik, medical director of College Health Ltd said: “The building is nearly ready and we are confident that it will be the flagship centre for College Health.

“Our interim service while the building is being refitted has been very successful and we hope to build on this further when we move to our new premises in the town centre.”

The health centre can be contacted on 01375 898 700 or visit www.swessex.nhs.uk or www.college-health.co.uk for more information.