BERKSHIRE health chiefs today named a private company to help run the new health centre at Broad Street Mall.

A group of local doctors will form a 50-50 partnership with Assura Healthcare.

The partnership, known as Assura Reading, will run the new GP-led centre at Broad Street Mall, which is due to open this summer.

Cathy Winfield, NHS Berkshire West�€�s director of commissioning, said: "I am delighted to announce that Assura Reading is our chosen provider for the new GP-led health centre service.

"We are aware that many people find it difficult to access a nurse or doctor due to family and work commitments. Indeed, patients have told NHS Berkshire West that one of their top three priorities for health services improvement is better access to GP appointments when needed. This new service will give people more choice and greater access to healthcare.

"Another key aim is to save people a trip to the A&E department by providing rapid access to treatment in appropriate cases. This extra capacity should also help alleviate pressure on the Royal Berkshire Hospital."

The new centre will be open seven days a week between 8am and 8pm with or without an appointment. Patients wishing to see a doctor do not need to be registered or even be from the Reading area.

But Reading Lib Dem health spokeswoman Daisy Benson said: "While we welcome the opportunity for improved access to healthcare for people living and working in Reading town centre, which this new centre could provide, it is important that this new clinic does not threaten the many well-established GP practices in the town."