THE doors have opened at a revolutionary GP-led Health centre in Bury which will be available 12 hours a day all year round.

Rock Healthcare is on the first floor of the Moorgate Primary Care Centre, in Derby Way, and is open from 8am to 8pm for non-registered patients on a walk-in basis or by booking an appointment in advance.

The flexible hours of operation derive from a government initiative to increase access to family doctor services and also from a public consultation.

Rock Healthcare’s chairman Dr Simon de Vial said: “Rock Healthcare, with its accessible opening hours, has come about as a direct result of feedback from people in Bury about the type of health centre they would like.

“We have built a great team and I am sure Rock Healthcare will prove to be a valuable resource for people who live, work and visit the town.”

Dr Alison Close, lead GP, said: “Behind the scenes there has been an awful lot of work going on in preparation for the opening, but we are delighted to be able to welcome patients.

“The results are clear. People want to be able to access a doctor at a time that suits them and that’s why we will be open from 8am until 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

Stephen Mills, NHS Bury chief executive, said: “The service offers greater convenience and choice for patients and complements our many other health services.”

Patients will be able to register directly with the GP-led health centre, which will offer a variety of patient care services.

Bury-based Rock Healthcare was awarded the contract by NHS Bury to provide the medical service at the centre. It is designed to complement existing GP services in the town.

For more information, log on to rockhealthcare.co.uk.