'Game changing' Nottinghamshire NHS centre at derelict pub remains in limbo

The super health centre would have been based at the former Seven Stars pub in Hucknall

A "game changing" project to build a new health centre on the site of a derelict Nottinghamshire pub remains in limbo due to a lack of funding. NHS England had to halt a national pilot scheme to create six super health and wellbeing hubs amid a lack of national funding.

The sites would have been known as Cavell Centres - named after the British World War I nurse Edith Cavell, and would have brought services including GP practices, pharmacies and dental clinics together in one building. Hucknall was one of the six areas chosen to take part in the pilot, with the former Seven Stars pub being earmarked as a location.

Yet that pub remains derelict after the pause of the pilot was confirmed in 2023. At a meeting of Nottinghamshire's health scrutiny committee on Tuesday (October 8), Hucknall North county councillor John Wilmott said: "This would have been a game changer for Hucknall – residents are living through a health care crisis with poor access to health care.

"Ashfield District Council have committed over £1million for the project, which was set to be on West Street, Hucknall, on the site of the old Seven Stars pub, still derelict. Could the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board inform us where we are with this crucial health hub, reconfirm your support for our super health centre and provide an update on what additional services we will be receiving in Hucknall in the interim?"

Alex Ball, the director of communications and engagement at the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, replied: "There is no further update on what you refer to as the Cavell Centre.

"That programme does not have the national funding it would need to deliver it but we continue to invest in primary care in the Hucknall area. We are increasing some of the space within existing practices and we continue to monitor the growth in population."

The five other sites who have seen plans paused are Sleaford in Lincolnshire, Staines in Surrey, Plymouth, Derby and Shrewsbury. Councillor Wilmott said following the meeting: "Last year, like five other areas in the country – Hucknall was badly let down by the NHS and the previous Conservative government. We will continue to fight tooth and nail to deliver the new health centre in Hucknall that resident's deserve."