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Barking and Dagenham PCT is using support from the programme to help it create the new capacity it will need to meet the demands of its growing population.

The Thames Gateway development is expected to swell the PCT's population by 40-50,000 over the next 11 years, while over the same period, the area's GP numbers are expected to fall due to retirement.

To pre-empt this, the PCT wants to open a new primary care centre close to Dagenham's main shopping centre. This will be a new building, funded through the NHS LIFT project, and will house a GP practice and walk-in service.

Around 8000 patients will eventually register with the new practice while the walk-in service is expected to have around 36,500 attendances a year. It will provide nurse-led care and advise with GP support to anyone who needs it - including those registered elsewhere - from early in the morning until 10pm 365 days a year.

As well as improving access to primary care, the new centre is also expected to improve access to urgent care through its provision for minor injury and illness. This is particularly important as there are no accident and emergency departments within the boundaries of the PCT.