On Saturday 6 December, Christmas lights were switched on by Julia Lopez MP at St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub in Havering as the local community gathered in celebration of the hub’s first anniversary as a transformative ‘one-stop-shop' in the NHS.

The event brought the festive cheer to local residents who enjoyed free hot chocolate and craft activities for children. Health and wellbeing teams performed free blood pressure checks and were on hand to offer wellbeing support and practical advice for staying well this winter, including free flu and COVID jabs for those eligible.  

Since opening, the hub has been recognised as a blueprint for modern community healthcare by bringing together health, social care, and community services under one roof. Designed to serve around 250,000 people living in Havering and surrounding areas, the hub offers GP services, outpatient clinics, mental health support, and a state-of-the-art Community Diagnostic Centre for faster access to tests and scans, all of which eases pressure on local hospitals while making services faster and more convenient for local people.

Julia Lopez MP for Hornchurch and Upminster said:

“St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub has had a transformative impact on health services in Havering, bringing a huge variety of services from primary care, renal dialysis and frailty services to the heart of the community and away from acute settings. This new model of truly integrated care has the potential to deliver radical improvements to the health service. I have already heard from many residents who have remarked on the exceptional care they have received at St George’s and look forward to it serving the community for generations."

Speaking at the event, North East London NHS Foundation Trust CEO Paul Calaminus said:

“Over the past year, the hub has supported local health needs in a way that feels seamless for residents. Whether it’s accessing mental health support, community services, or diagnostic care, this centre is about making sure people receive the right help, at the right time, in the right place.”

Dame Marie Gabriel, Chair of NHS North East London, said:

"The hub was designed as a 'one-stop shop' that would help make healthcare more accessible, and in its first 12 months it has achieved exactly that. Since opening, it has established itself at the heart of the community – providing a growing range of health and care services that offer vital support thousands of local people across Havering and beyond. Its success is down to an ongoing team effort involving our NHS staff, local partners and the amazing resident volunteers who play a vital role in making the hub such a welcoming place to visit."

Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Ray Morgon, said:

“It’s a pleasure for me, both as leader and the local ward councillor, to see this welcome addition to the borough. It has given a boost to local health care services with its top-class facilities which are easily accessible and brought together under one roof in a welcoming and community-focused space.”

In the season of giving, the hub’s volunteers were also celebrated for giving the greatest gift of all - their time. Together, over 90 volunteers have contributed more than 9,500 hours work, saving over £140,000, the equivalent of four nurse salaries.

Jen, a former sales manager, and Jan, a retired pharmacy dispenser, have each contributed over 300 hours, greeting visitors and ensuring every patient feels supported. They said:

“We have loved our first year volunteering at the hub. Everyone has been so lovely and it’s been a pleasure being here for them. We have a great volunteering team and as part of that team we feel the hub is a great place to visit not only for your health and wellbeing needs but also for social inclusion such as visiting the café and gardens. We hope we can continue to volunteer here and keep welcoming everyone who comes through the doors.”

The hub also features an Ageing Well Centre to support older people particularly during the winter months, alongside spaces for voluntary groups, a welcoming community café, and dementia-friendly gardens, creating an inclusive environment that promotes wellbeing beyond traditional healthcare.

Alan, 87, a respiratory patient at St Georges’ said:

“I’m pleased I’m going there and not travelling all the way to King George’s. The volunteers couldn’t do enough for me, to be honest - I was made welcome with a cup of tea and a sandwich. Having everything in one place saved me extra trips and made a big difference to my wellbeing.”

For more information, please visit St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub in Hornchurch.