PATIENTS will not have to travel to Worcester for treatment when a new Malvern health centre opens, its owners hope.

One of the GPs set to make the move to the proposed Pickersleigh Road development wants to enable the patients access to a variety of treatments.

Dr James Mather, of Court Road Surgery, says it will cut travelling time and improve the local health service.

"We've a wish list but it's no different to what other practices would want - better parking, good access and bus routes," he said.

"We want to offer other services so people won't have to travel to Worcester and we certainly plan to offer more services.

"We desperately hope that chiropody will come to our site.

"I would also love to get an echocardiograph so people don't have to go to Worcester.

"It's about localising services."

The Court Road Surgery in Barnards Green and the Malvern Health Centre, Malvern Link, will share the new premises, which are proposed to occupy a former council depot. At least 11 doctors are expected to be based at the practice.

"We've been looking for a site for a long, long time. This is in a good position as far as we're concerned.

"It's equidistant for both practices.

"I've been here for nine years and this will be the biggest thing I will have seen take place involving the practice," said Dr Mather.

He said the new health complex will still offer the practice's diabetic clinic and substance misuse clinic.

A planning application has not yet been made for the new health complex, which is being provided as a joint project between Malvern Hills District Council and the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.

A new hospital for the town is also on the cards to meet the needs of 21st Century health provision.

At the PCT's public meeting on Wednesday, June 4 it will discuss a timetable for rebuilding the community hospital on the Seaford Court site.