Health chiefs invite guests to see new state-of-the-art centre

Stirling’s new GP and Minor Injuries Centre will see a host of existing health services come under one roof.

Among those transferring to the new facility will be Minor Injuries services, x-ray facilities (two x-ray rooms and two ultrasound rooms), GP out-of-hours services and Keep Well services.

Three local GP practices (Viewfield, Park Avenue, and Park Terrace Practices), will also relocate to the centre, and it will provide a base for Scottish Ambulance Service staff, including a number of specialist paramedics who will work closely with centre colleagues.

The handover of the keys marks the completion of the build phase and will enable staff to fit out and equip the clinical areas, offices and staff accommodation over the next six weeks before welcoming the first patients next month as planned.

The new Stirling Health and Care Village is a joint venture between Stirling Council, NHS Forth Valley, the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Forth Valley College is also involved as it plans to offer local young people a range of training and volunteering opportunities within the new Health and Care Village.

The Bellfield Centre, a 116-bed inpatient facility which will provide short- term care, assessment or rehabilitation for older people who require additional support following an illness or operation, will be completed later in the year.

This will be followed by the new ambulance station and workshop in Autumn 2019, replacing the existing station in Riverside.

Other planned facilities include a café, hairdresser, landscaped areas and an information area which can be used by local community groups and volunteers.

Health chiefs say the Health and Care Village will support the integration of health and social care services, making it easier for staff to work together to bring better coordinated care to local people.

Robertson Construction are the main contractors, with architects jmarchitects. The project is being developed through hub East Central Scotland (a joint partnership between public and private sector organisations.

Gary Bushnell, chief executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: ”We have worked closely with all of the partners involved in the new Stirling Health and Care Village project to successfully manage this key phase to completion.

“The new GP and Minor Injuries Centre is a high quality facility built to meet the specific needs of patients and staff and also support the delivery of first class care in Stirling.”

Stirling Council leader Councillor Scott Farmer was among the guests on Friday.

He said: “This new GP and Minor Injuries Centre will make a significant contribution to the health and social care agenda for Stirling.

“It is really exciting to see such a wonderful, fully integrated facility.

“When you see some of the existing GP facilities many are not easily accessible for people with serious conditions and disabilities, but this is state of the art.”

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: “The Care Village is an excellent work of construction and I’m delighted the GP and Minor Injuries unit has now completed, and is ready to be equipped to provide high quality health care.

“This is looking to be a remarkable building at the heart of Stirling. It will provide a diverse range of health services and is truly an investment into the future of health care in the Stirling area.”