The Bolton Health Hive moved from the Market Place Shopping Centre to the former Bolton Primary Care Hub on Chorley Street in June this year.

But Kath Thornton, aged 78, says that the location is not suitable for those with mobility issues, with limited public transport links in the area compared to the previous location.

Kath has pulmonary fibrosis, which affects her mobility and has to undergo regular blood tests in preparation for her appointments at Wythenshawe Hospital.

She says she used to get a bus from her Johnson Fold home to Market Place to use the hub.

Kath said: “It was just so convenient where it was, nearly all the buses stop at the Market Place, then if I wanted to go somewhere else I could get back on and it would take me to the bus station.

Kath Thornton (Image: Newsquest)

“Now, I have to get off at the Market Place and then walk the whole length of Bark Street. I’ve got pulmonary fibrosis, I can walk on the flats, but by the time I’ve got to the new hub, I need to sit down.

“There are no buses that go down Chorley Street.”

Read more: Strict new rules for bird keepers in Bolton to reduce spread of virus

Read more: Bolton’s Health Hive offers these services to people

Read more: Free therapy centre ‘in SOS territory’ and needs public help to make it to Christmas

The nearest bus stop to the centre is on St George’s Road, but that still would prove an issue for Kath, with a steep walk required to return there from the surgery.

The Health Hive moved in June (Image: Google Maps)

She said: “Not all the buses stop there on St George’s Road, so you would have to go to Vernon Street to catch the 501 back into town, or walk through the traffic lights to get to St George’s Road, it is not near at all.”

Dr Kamran Khan, Chair of Bolton GP Federation, said: “Our move from the Market Place to The Bolton Primary Care Hub, home of the Bolton Health Hive, on Chorley Street, is a positive step forward for healthcare in Bolton.

“The decision was made to ensure we can continue to offer the very best services for our patients safely, both now and in the future. It’s also worth noting that the Health Hive is not a walk-in centre but offers both walk-in and booked appointment services.

“The new site gives us modern clinical rooms, improved facilities, and space to grow, allowing us to expand our range of health and wellbeing services for people across the community.

“It was previously home to the Diabetes Centre, and it’s been transformed to create a welcoming, well-equipped environment for patients and staff alike.”

Dr Khan added: “The new site is a 10-minute walk from the previous facility at Market Place. The new site benefits from free parking, public transport links, and the nearby bus stop, making it accessible for everyone.

“This move represents a positive investment in Bolton’s healthcare system, giving us the opportunity to continue improving the services local people need.”