A NEW community health service has opened in a deprived area of Worcester as part of a move to iron out health inequalities.

A clinic at DG Pharmacy, in Dines Green, will be open for two sessions a week to answer questions about issues including minor illnesses, skin problems and immunisations.

The move was made after Worcestershire Health Authority, Worcester City Primary Care Group and city MP Mike Foster discussed the problem in January and February of this year.

The scheme may now spread to other needy areas in the city to make sure a more comprehensive health service is offered.

This is the right way to take forward health care, by bringing it into communities where there is greater need, said Mr Foster.

We have seen Worcester does have a problem with infant deaths and other issues, and we have special needs within the city.

This is one way of dealing with them.

Other problems which can be dealt with at the clinic include diet and healthy living advice, tips on giving up smoking, and general checks for blood pressure, asthma, diabetes and routine blood tests.

Teenage health problems can be discussed in confidence and family planning and contraception can also be dealt with.

The centre will be open from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Mondays, and 9.30am to 12pm on Fridays.

It will be staffed by advanced nurse practitioner Sue Francis and appointments can be booked by going into the pharmacy or by calling 01905 426944.

St John's Councillor Richard Udall said the move was good news for Dines Green.We are located so far away from so many other medical services, and we have been campaigning for this for about 10 years, he said.

Any medical provision or health care service which can be brought to the estate is welcome, but we will fight on for a doctor's surgery.