A new health centre is opening in Orpington this month to enable more patients to avoid hospitals for routine appointments.

The Orpington Health and Wellbeing Centre opens on September 16 and will house the Knoll Medical Practice.

Dr Andrew Parson, Clinical Chair of NHS Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group said: "We have worked long and hard with our partners, patients and staff to make sure that we can offer Orpington residents high quality services from a modern and fit for purpose building.

"Patients have told us they want more care delivered from local community facilities and avoid having to go into hospital unless they really need to. The new centre will certainly help us achieve this."

The medical centre is based in Brunswick Square and will be used for minor surgeries, outpatient clinics, community clinics and diagnostics.

One of the GP practitioners at Knoll Medical Practice, Ruchira Paranjape, said staff and patients would benefit from "modern and fit for purpose premises".

David Hughes, a Bromley resident, supported the medical centre proposal and said he was thrilled to see it now become a reality.

"I was able to see the drawings and plans for the building and give my views," he said.

"I’m delighted that it is now opening and will provide me, my family and all other residents of Orpington with a range of health and wellbeing services on our doorstep."

The centre will meet rising demand and ease pressure on surrounding hospitals, according to Catherine Webster, who was the senior construction manager.

She added: "We will also be providing a full range of facilities management services to ensure patients continue to be seen in a safe and compliant environment."