St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub in Suttons Lane has been shortlisted for a Health Service Journal Award in the category of integrated care initiative of the year.
The hub opened its doors on November 4 when it welcomed husband and wife Edward and Pauline Weymouth as its first patients.
The couple, who live in Upminster, attended early appointments at the St George’s Country Park Surgery, formerly known as Upminster Bridge Surgery.
The surgery was the first service to operate at the new £38 million hub in Suttons Lane.
Integrated care director of Havering Irvine Muronzi said: “The key feature of the hub is its emphasis on community wellbeing – there is a café for socialising, multi-purpose educational and meeting spaces, multi-faith room and a sensory dementia-friendly communal garden for relaxation and inclusivity.
“It is truly a community hospital in your back garden, supported by a wonderful team of local volunteers, everyone is welcome to visit.”
However, a report based on an Enter and View visit undertaken in April 2025 recently revealed concerns raised by Healthwatch Havering.
Among these was the “very limited car parking” at the hub, which has led to a “considerable number of complaints”, the site manager told the team.
Healthwatch Havering recommended that more spaces are reserved for staff who travel to the hub from other centres.
The signage at the front of the building was also described as “inadequate”, with the entrance not clearly marked.
In response to the report, a North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) spokesperson said: “We are working tirelessly with our partners across Havering and the NHS to address any concerns in relation to the building, in a cost-efficient way, while taking into account the different perspectives and needs of those accessing – and providing – services at the hub.”
MORE NEWS: First look at padel courts, spa garden and more that could be coming to Gidea Park
According to NELFT, community voices have been central throughout the development of the hub.
In early workshops, residents expressed a clear need for a space that felt welcoming, responsive, and inclusive.
They asked for services that were easy to navigate, seamlessly connected with social care, and focused on wellness rather than illness.
These aspirations became the foundation of the hub’s design and ethos, with health and care partners working in close collaboration over several years to bring that vision to life.
Luke Burton, joint director of partnerships, impact and delivery for Havering at NHS north east London, said: “We’re delighted the hub has been shortlisted for this award – it’s testament to the collaborative efforts of everyone involved.
“From the start of the initial planning phase, partners worked closely with the community to ensure the site design and services available were tailored to meet local needs.
“We now have a fantastic integrated facility, which is helping us ease pressure on local hospitals, provide quicker access to diagnostic tests and treatment, and support our patients in a joined-up way.
“It will be a huge asset to people in Havering and the surrounding area for many years to come.”
