Wednesday night (1/12/10) saw the launch of a brand new multi disciplinary health centre in Shelly Park. The historic Shelly manor has been the site of some contention and discussions for years now and its purpose and function was firmly established.
Members of Bournemouth medical profession, local councillors, and local business people were among those invited to the opening and were given a talk by the deputy major and a guided tour of the building. Organisers said they wanted to raise awareness of the centres services.
Practise manager Gerry, said: “It’s really just to increase our visible presence and make more people aware of what’s here. Both as potential customers and service users and also potential service providers.”
One such potential customer was a local GP who said he would definitely refer patients to the facility. He said: “It provides brilliant medical services for the local population.”
The extensive range of services on offer were: ‘physiotherapy’, for sports injuries, strokes, and head injuries; ‘podiatry’ which includes bio mechanics for people with joint misalignment and lack of coordination, and a Dentist.
There was also ice and compression therapy with what is a revolutionary machine called ‘Gate Ready’ for post op inflammation or muscular pain. Then there was ‘Dermal Illusions’ which offers things like scar camouflage and tattoo removal.
There was the medical centre with GP practises and a new pharmacy called AlChem.
Also on show was a new machine once used by the military and elite athletes now being introduced to the genera public. It is called an anti gravity treadmill. A young man demonstrated it and ran for over forty five minutes with ease. He said of it: “Really good, very effective.”
Apart from medical facilities the evening was also used to promote the new Shelly manor theatre which is in the beginnings of refurbishment. It will house a bar and cafe and will be for the use of local theatre groups and other arts performers.
Of the response to the theatre Nina Dunne, a partner’s wife said: “It’s fantastic. People’s reactions today after seeing the theatre have just been incredible.”
The original theatre was set up by the romantic poet Percy Shelly for his family. It is hoped it will be up and running as soon as enough funds are raised by the sale of flats next door and efforts by the ‘Friends of Shelly’ group.
The medical services on offer are both private and NHS but it is hoped they will be accessible for the average resident of Boscombe. The entire project is funded by the NHS and the ‘Charles Higgins Partnership’
Attendees of the launch itself were wholly positive about it. Gerry, the practise manager said it went: “very well, a lot of people have braved the awful weather forecast to get here.”
Boscombe resident Harvey Cheeme also sang its praises, she said: it went very well, a really good turn out.” Other comments were: “Very well.” And “It’s been lovely.”
Altogether the night was a great success. It included a string quartet, food and drinks and a chance for all those connected in some way to meet and share ideas.
There was also great optimism for the centres future. A local GP said: “I think it’s been a fantastic rejuvenation of the old Shelly manor.”
Debbie, a partner with the physiotherapy concern, was equally pleased and said: “This is the start of something that’s going to grow for the community.”
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