A FORMER Woolworths is being transformed into a doctors’ surgery and drop-in health centre.

The facility will open in May at the former shop in Grays town centre.

It will offer GP and nurse appointments to registered patients, as well as walk-in services to people who are not registered.

It will open between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, and provide a range of services including health promotion and disease prevention advice.

It will operate alongside the existing services at the Grays Health Centre, in Brooke Road, Grays.

The Brooke Road centre will also extend its opening hours to 8am to 8pm from March.

Marc Davis, director of primary care at NHS South West Essex, said the contract for the new service has been awarded to College Health.

He said: “I feel confident we have awarded the contract to a high quality and innovative provider and look forward to seeing the changes they will make for the people of Thurrock.

“This is a really positive step for the residents of Grays and beyond, and it will mean people who need access to primary medical care can get it, whether they are registered at the new health centre or not.

“The service has been needed for a long time and it will make a huge improvement to the health and wellbeing of local people.”

Dr Pro Malik, a spokesman for College Health, said: “This will be a flagship centre for College Health and will provide a unique service in Grays town centre while also being available for everyone in Thurrock to use.”