Hundreds of residents each day are set to benefit from easier access, improved facilities, and reduced pressure on hospital services as Harlow Council and The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust are pleased to announce a new partnership that will see the hospital’s blood testing service move into The Harvey Centre in Harlow town centre.
This move means that hundreds of residents who currently visit the hospital for routine blood tests will soon be able to access the service more easily at a convenient, central location.
The new facility in The Harvey Centre will offer modern, accessible surroundings for patients and visitors, improving the overall experience while freeing up valuable space on the hospital site for other essential clinical services.
The new facility is set to open next spring on the ground floor of the Harvey Centre. The council and hospital say that this is the ‘first step’ in a wider plan to make health and wellbeing far more accessible ‘on the high street’ with work underway to explore how to significantly increase the number of services out of the hospital and in the town centre.
Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“This is a brilliant example of what Building Harlow’s Future is all about – working in partnership to deliver better services for residents and breathing new life into our town centre.
“By moving blood testing into The Harvey Centre, we’re making it easier and more convenient for residents to get the care they need, creating more footfall for local shops and businesses, and freeing up vital space at the hospital for services that can only be delivered there.
“It’s a win for patients, a win for our town centre, and a win for the hospital – exactly the kind of practical progress we’re determined to deliver for Harlow.
“And this is just the first step as part of a wider plan to transform ‘healthcare in the high street’ as we rebuild the town centre – which is only possible because of our renewed partnership and drive for delivery with the hospital’s new leadership.”
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said:
“This partnership with Harlow Council is a fantastic step forward in how we deliver healthcare in our community. By moving blood testing into The Harvey Centre, we’re taking healthcare right to the heart of the high street – making it more accessible, more convenient, and an even better experience for our patients.
“At the same time, this change will free up valuable space on our hospital site, allowing us to focus on the services that need to be delivered there and continue improving the care we provide.
“Working closely with the council, we’re transforming how and where healthcare is delivered in Harlow – bringing services closer to people and building a stronger, more connected future for our town.”
This partnership forms a key part of Building Harlow’s Future – a shared vision between Harlow Council and its partners to invest in the town’s growth, improve local services, and create a healthier, more connected community for residents.