Northern Ireland Executive Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey officially opened a new £6 million Health and Social Care Centre in Derry today.

The new health facility at Distillery Brae, will accommodate three medical practices serving a population of more than 25,000 patients. It will also include Midwifery and District Nursing, Social Services, Community Dentistry and other health and social care services.

The purpose built Centre was developed on an underused site acquired by the Department for Social Development.

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Speaking at the opening of the Centre, Margaret Ritchie said: "The new Health and Social Care Centre combines excellent design quality with the highest standard of patient care. The finished building not only provides a place for the delivery of a health and social care services, but also creates a welcoming and reassuring environment when people need it most.

"The innovative multi-million pound Centre will also be a major boost to the transformation of the Waterside, supporting local shops and businesses, reinforcing the infrastructure and bringing life back into the local area."

The Health Minister also commented: "The Centre embodies the fundamental aim of our health and social care policy - bringing services closer to home and providing as much care as possible in the community. It is a flagship development, built at the very heart of the community it serves, providing state-of-the-art facilities for health and social care."

(JM)