Good progress on new care village
Economy Secretary hails infrastructure progress
Economy Secretary Keith Brown visited the new £37.8 million Stirling Health and Care Village construction site on Monday
Mr Brown was there to highlight progress in delivering the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan.
The annual progress report outlines £3 billion worth of infrastructure projects completed in Scotland last year. In addition, major public projects worth £4.1 billion are estimated be in construction during the remainder of 2018, including the new Stirling Health and Care Village.
Separately funded projects such as 50,000 affordable homes, expansion of early learning and childcare, continued superfast broadband roll-out and City Region Deals are also being taken forward this year.
Mr Brown said: “We have made excellent progress on our infrastructure plan, and this is good for jobs, good for the economy and good for Scotland overall. Last year we completed key projects such as the Queensferry Crossing, improvements to the M8, M73 and M74, and the new Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary.
“This year we expect further significant projects will be completed, including the A90, the electrification of the StirlingDunblane-Alloa rail line and the V&A Museum of Design in Dundee.
The new care village - being built alongside the community hospital, the former site of Stirling Royal Infirmary - is a joint venture by Stirling Council, NHS Forth Valley and the Scottish Ambulance Service and is being developed through hub East Central Scotland.
It is a joint partnership between public and private sector organisations aimed at developing and delivering better local services across East Central Scotland.
The majority of the new facilities are expected to be operational by autumn 2018. Final building works, roads and car parking are expected to be completed by autumn 2019.
The project will see the creation of a new facility for older people who require additional shortterm care, an assessment or rehabilitation following an illness, an operation or an acute hospital admission. There will also be specialist support for patients with dementia and those who require palliative and end of life care.
A new Primary and Urgent Care Centre will also be developed to house a number of existing health services. These include Minor Injuries Services, X-ray facilities and GP out-of-hours services. Four Stirling doctors’ surgeries - Viewfield, Park Avenue, Park Terrace and Wallace Medical Practices - will also relocate to the site and the Scottish Ambulance Service is planning to relocate their existing ambulance station and workshop there.