Ambulance crews to transfer in the autumn
Ambulance staff are looking forward to enjoying their new facilities when they transfer in the autumn.
Situated on the upper floor, there are staff training and meeting rooms, a recreation and relaxation area, as well as changing facilities and showers.
The service will be moving from its current site in Riverside.
The Scottish Ambulance Service and the health board believe initial concerns amongst local residents that there would be a stream of “blue lights”coming and going from the site have been alleviated.
“This is more of a staff base and training centre and vehicle workshop,” said SAS area manager for Stirling Neil Gillies.
“The chances of seeing a blue light are minimal and probably no different to anywhere else.
“We are really excited to be moving in. Our old station is more than 30 years old.
“It used to be quite male dominated but now there is a 50/50 split.
“We just had to work around the changing space at the old station so to have these new facilities is fantastic.
“We will have 45 accident and emergency staff based here on a 24hour shift pattern.
“We have 15 patient transport vehicle staff and specialist paramedics who will integrate themselves with GPs, minor injuries and out of hours.
“The government strategy is all about giving care at home or in a homely setting where possible and this new building will help everyone work to do that.”
SAS chairman Tom Steele praised the coming together of various different elements of healthcare on the site.
He said:“The future of healthcare means that more and more we have different parts working together and that is made easier when everyone is on the same base.
“The Ambulance Service is crucial to the future of healthcare.
“We have paramedics who can now study for a degree getting involved in out of hours, meaning GPs should be seeing only those people they need to see.
“Paramedics are often the first people someone sees when they are having a health issue.
“As well as being highly trained they help to calm and reassure, and they have possibly the best bedside manner in the NHS because of that.”