A HEALTH centre was officially opened yesterday amidst claims it represented the future of the NHS.

Harrow health chiefs heralded the Pinn Medical Centre, in Love Lane, during a launch event aimed at promoting the services available to patients.

Members of the public joined doctors to look around the new facilities. People of all ages were given health advice and free medical checks while being entertained by dancers and balloon artists.

Bosses said the centre does not fall into the Government's controversial polyclinic category, but instead represents the borough's first “GP led” surgery where services link in with others in the area.

Gillian Schiller, chairman of Harrow PCT, said: “This is a glimpse into the future, this is what the NHS is changing into.

“This is all about overall health and well being, and will be a fantastic local service. It is light years ahead of most of London.”

Doctor Amol Kelshiker, who leads the practice, said: “This opens up the health service and makes it more amiable to the customers.

“The area has never had a facility like this and it will bring a lot more health care opportunities to the community.”

The centre also contains an associated pharmacy which enables patients to pick up prescriptions directly after seeing a specialist.

Pharmacist Salil Gor said: “It's good for the patients because what you have is a pharmacy that is integrated into the centre.

“It is convenient for them to have everything under one roof and they will be more likely to take up prescriptions or health advice if they don't have to step outside the centre to find it.”