Could 'wellbeing hubs' be the answer to Plymouth's GP crisis?

With growing pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals across the region, health bosses in Plymouth believe they have found a way to help.

A new 'wellbeing hub' has opened in one of the city's most deprived neighbourhoods, designed to give people earlier access to the support they need.

The aims of wellbeing hubs are to improve mental health, reduce social isolation, reduce inequality, and enable people with long-term conditions to feel supported.

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Cllr Kate Taylor says the city's GP shortage is very worrying. Credit: ITV News

Cllr Kate Taylor, Plymouth City Council cabinet member for health, said the hubs were aimed at reducing demand and pressure on Accident and Emergency wards.

She believes by giving people the services they need it will reduce the need to go to A&E, and in turn reduce wait times.

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The centre has been set up by Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group and Colebrook South West.

It is the fifth wellbeing hub to open in the city and the first one in a GP practice.