A SURGERY has branched out to treat patients at a new medical facility in Braintree.

Mount Chambers Medical Practice is now offering GP services at the new Livewell 'hub' in the town centre.

Some patients registered with Mount Chambers are already being seen in treatment rooms at the centre on Manor Street.

People who want to continue using the practice's main surgery on Coggeshall Road in the town can still go there.

The Braintree Primary Care Network - a collaboration of the five local GP practices - has moved into the hub too.

The group - which includes Mount Chambers, Blandford Medical Centre, Blyth’s Meadow Surgery, Church Lane Surgery and Silver End Surgery - will offer joint services that can be booked through people’s usual GP practices.

Councillors met with NHS representatives to officially open the Livewell hub at a ribbon-cutting event.

Dr Ranajit Ukil, of Mount Chambers Surgery, said: “It's great to have more clinical space in our town, as we can now offer specialist care from a wider range of NHS professionals.

"Along with our patients, people registered at any Braintree GP practice can access services delivered by our joint primary care network in Manor Street."

The health centre also offers sexual health clinics, speech and language therapy, and pulmonary care.

NHS spokesman Dan Doherty said: “Manor Street is a great example of how to deliver modern healthcare.

"Having different services based on one site will help professionals work together more closely around the needs of their patients.

"It also sets a good foundation for developing links to other community partners.

"We hope to see the Livewell Hub go from strength to strength as a valuable asset in supporting residents’ health and wellbeing.”

The centre is part of Braintree Council’s £30million Victoria Square regeneration, which includes 35 apartments, a 70-bed Travelodge hotel, bus interchange, public toilets, retail units, garden and a two-level car park.

Council resources boss Kevin Bowers said: “We are pleased to have played our part in building a modern and purpose-built health hub which is giving thousands of residents access to GP services as well as a wide range of other integrated health and wellbeing services.

"Our investment into this asset is having a positive impact on our town centre and will help patients within our local communities for many years to come.”

The Livewell hub is only open to patients with appointments and referrals.