It has been in the pipeline for more than six years, but Fakenham's new �5m community healthcare campus will finally open on Monday.

The unit will integrate key services for Fakenham's growing population, with GPs and nurses working in the same building as adult social services and community health visitors.

Better communication between the three healthcare elements is expected to dramatically reduce the number of patients from the area needing hospital treatment.

The Y-shaped building in Trinity Road, off the roundabout adjacent to Morrisons supermarket, replaces the Fakenham Medical Practice, in Greenway Lane.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley is to perform the official opening in February.

Fakenham Medical Practice chief executive John Fraser said: 'This new healthcare campus has been desperately needed. The practice at Greenway Lane was too small and is bursting at the seams.

'Having more integrated care with three organisations, Norfolk County Council Adult Care, Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust and Fakenham Medical Practice, working under one roof will have a big impact.

'Patients' issues can be dealt with more quickly and effectively. This will mean fewer patients from Fakenham needing hospital treatment in King's Lynn and Norwich. It will mean better care for patients and substantial savings for the NHS.'

The campus has a day surgery where minor operations can be carried out, 12 GP and five nurse consulting rooms, a dispensary, pharmacy and out-of-hours clinic.

The Greenway Lane surgery will close at 12pm tomorrow. There will be no routine appointments or prescription service until the new surgery opens at 12pm on Monday. For emergency treatment between 12pm and 6.30pm tomorrow, and 8.30am and 12pm on Monday, call 01328 820 334. For urgent treatment between 6.30pm on Friday and 8am on Monday call 01603 488488.

The out-of-hours service will continue to operate from Greenway Lane this weekend. It will operate from the new surgery location from the weekend of December 10 and 11.