No chemist at new care village
Forth Valley has defended criticism over the absence of a new pharmacy in its plans for the new £35 million Stirling Care Village.
Stirling resident Ian Cairns said he was surprised to learn there would be no pharmacy, despite three GP practices planning to move there.
However, NHS bosses say this has never been suggested as the practices would be catering for the same patients and not an increase in numbers and existing pharmacies would be able to cater if need be.
Mr Cairns said: “Apparently there are rules which prevent a new chemist being established so close to existing chemists.
“On the other hand, three GP Practices are moving from the city centre and such a fundamental change in medical provision demands a corresponding change in chemist provision.”
He added: “I would encourage all interested parties to write to the NHS and elected representatives.”
A spokesperson for NHS Forth Valley said: “Our pharmaceutical plan does not highlight any gaps in the Stirling/St Ninian’s area.
“There has therefore never been any plans to include a pharmacy in the new Stirling Care Village and this has not previously been raised as an issue in the widespread engagement with service users and the public over the last few years.”
The new Village is a £35m development between Stirling Council, NHS Forth Valley, the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
It will bring together a wide range of health and social care services in purpose-built new facilities.
These include an inpatient facility providing shortterm care, assessment or rehabilitation for older people who need support following an illness or operation to help them recover, regain their independence and, in the majority of cases, return to their own homes.
A purpose built centre will also provide more modern accommodation for existing minor injuries services, X-ray facilities and out-ofNHS hours services along with the relocated GP practices.
An ambulance station and workshop will replace the existing station in the Riverside area of Stirling.
Forth Valley College is also exploring opportunities to offer local young people who are considering a career in the health and care sector, a range of training and volunteering opportunities within the new Care Village.
The majority of facilities are expected to be completed by the end of 2018 with the ambulance station and final site works completed by autumn 2019.
People can learn about the progress of the care village and air their views at a drop-in event on Thursday February 8 from 12.30-4pm in Stirling Community Hospital lecture theatre.
Project heads are keen to hear suggestions on how landscaping, reception and activity areas, as well as amenities like the planned new café, hairdressing salon and other retail outlets, could be used not only by patients and visitors, but also by the wider local community.