A £2.8-MILLION health centre for Tavistock which will encompass a children's centre and a midwifery and health visitor base was officially opened last week by one of the surgery's oldest patients.

Built on the site of the old Stannary Surgery at Abbey Rise, Tavyside is now the home for the new partnership formed with all seven GP partners from both the old Stannary and Wharfside surgeries.

Florence Fry, now in her 100th year, cut the ribbon to mark the building's opening, surrounded by cheering local schoolchildren, dignitaries, townspeople and past and present staff.

Dr Graham Johnson, who has been the project co-ordinator since its inception back in 2006 said: 'I am delighted that we are finally at this momentous day which has been so long in the planning.

'The project has been extremely exciting to work on and we've been very lucky to have been able to work with an exceptional architect, Steve Whettem, and such hard working and conscientious builders from J E Stacey Ltd.

'This is a fabulous new facility which will serve the community of Tavistock for many years to come.'

The state-of-the-art building has two large waiting areas, a lift, play areas for children, large GP consultation rooms and many more treatment rooms for other healthcare services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, counselling, sports medicine and a travel clinic.

The building also has an independent community pharmacy and on the third floor a training and conference centre which will be open for private hire later in the year.

Mayor of West Devon Donald Horn said it was a marvellous facility: 'My wife worked in the Launceston surgery for 26 years and I know how important it is to keep a happy ship.

'A wonderful, efficient building like this creates good morale and puts a smile on the face of the staff, which in turn has a reassuring effect on the patients,' he said.

Former Wharfside GP Dr Mark Eggleton praised the drive and determination of Dr Graham Johnson, who, he said, made Alan Sugar look like he had no ambition.

'This project has been driven by Graham, who has taken us all to where we wanted to go. We owe him a big thank you.'

Dr Sarah Robbins said patients had reacted very positively to the new health centre as it was much more accessible for the elderly, disabled and parents with pushchairs, and a 'very relaxing and airy space'.