It is a brand new start for the GP surgery there, marked by a naming ceremony to be performed by the MP for South West Norfolk, Elizabeth Truss.

But, from then on, the surgery will be known as The Hollies. Ms Truss will unveil a plaque at 6.30pm to reveal the name and officially welcome a bright new start.

People who attend the open day will be able to see many of the services on offer at the Health Centre. This will include Crossroads, Well Being service, quit smoking and community rehab as well as the surgery’s own services. There will also be activities for children and refreshments. Patients of the surgery will be able to sign up to book appointments and order prescriptions using new on line systems introduced by Vida Healthcare.

Dr Mark Funnell, the lead GP at Downham Market Health Centre/The Hollies, said:

The Hollies was chosen by the Patient Participation Group as the new name for the GP surgery because it is beside the site of a preparatory school founded in the 1870s by the Misses Mumford, called The Hollies. Later in the 1900s, three sisters – the Misses Green – ran a Ladies’ College and Boys’ Preparatory School in the Hollies building. Both schools were regarded as centres of excellence, with emphasis on health, health culture and hygiene as well as a wide range of the more academic disciplines

The Patient Participation are also going to be on hand during the event to tell people about what they do and how they can get involved.

Vida Healthcare can be contacted through the Managing Partner Graham Dickerson on 08444 996 881 or the Practice Manager Ana Weston on 08444 996 882