Boost for patients overnew centres

NEW health centres will be open in two of the city’s most deprived areas by the end of next year offering patients a wider range of NHS services locally.

Funding has been approved for multi-million pound health and social care hubs in Woodside and the Gorbals,which have some of the worst health outcomes in Scotland.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde says the existing health centres in the Gorbals and Woodside, both dating from the 1970s, are no longer fit for purpose.

The Woodside centre will replace the existing service in Barr Street moving to Doncaster Street and will include GP surgeries, dental services, physiotherapy, older people day services and district nursing.

Based in Sandiefield Road, the new Gorbals health and social care centre will house GPs, treatment rooms and community spaces.

It is hoped the new centres will lead to economic and regeneration and they are planned to be open by the end of 2018.

David Williams, chief officer, Glasgow Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP), said: “The Gorbals and Woodside are two of Glasgow’s most deprived communities, with some of the worst health outcomes in Scotland.

“The new centres are being specifically designed in a way which will help further break down the barriers between services and help to create a seamless pathway between services for patients.

“The HSCP believes that the people of Glasgow can flourish with access to health and social care support when they need it.

“We’re actively transforming health and social care services to help people and their communities lead stronger, healthier lives.”

New health centres have already opened i Eastwood, Maryhill and East Pollokshields and are part of an overall plan to offer patients more NHS services in the community.

The centres have been designed by JM architects & Page and Park, and will be constructed by Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd.