Public hear about new health centre
NHS and housing association plans outlined
A well attended public meeting took place on Wednesday in Doune to discuss the progress of the village’s new £2.7 million health centre.
Work on the centre, in Springbank Road, has now started on site and also on the proposed housing for Rural Stirling Housing Association.
The meeting, in the Muir Hall, brought locals up to date on progress on both projects.
Stephen Lynas, Business Development Director of the Hadden Group who are constructing both developments gave a presentation covering what the buildings would look like; how the contractor would deal with problems and how it would communicate with the public; timescales for completion and potential community benefits.
Evelyn Tweed, SNP Councillor for Trossachs and Teith said “I thought it was a very positive meeting which included doctors from NHS Forth Valley, the contractor and Rural Stirling Housing Association.
“Reassurances were given about how the contractor would deal with problems on site and the site manager’s details will be readily available should any issues arise within the community.
“I am keen for the contractor to speak to the community council about potential community benefits and any funding that can be brought into Doune for local projects and the contractor said he was happy to have these discussions.”
Local resident Di Campbell said: “It is wonderful that the health centre is being developed at long last. We have waited for it for so long and are just relieved that it is finally happening. It will make such a huge difference to our community and it will be great to have a community room that can be used at night by groups.”
Rural Stirling committee member Mark Griffiths added: “We are delighted that this is now happening and we must thank NHS Forth Valley for their help in working together with us. It meant that we could finally get access to the site and will ensure our much needed housing can be built in the village.
“I would encourage any one who does need a house in Doune to add their name to the waiting list.”
It is anticipated that the health centre will be completed by August 2019 and that the six houses for Rural Stirling will be complete by September/October 2019.
Work on the health centre began in October, more than two years after it was expected to be completed. It will replace a smaller building which has become overcrowded due to the growing population of the village.
It will host a wide range of services, including physiotherapy, podiatry and counselling and could include services to support people with long-term conditions.
In addition there will be support and advice on diet, exercise, managing medicines and giving up smoking.
The centre will have improved facilities for the existing GP practice and accommodation for a range of visiting outpatient services such as antenatal and child health clinics. It is being developed through Hub East Central Scotland, a partnership between public and private sector companies.
Around £200,000 is being spent on new equipment, furniture and fittings. NHS Forth Valley originally approved outline plans for the centre in January 2016 with an estimated completion date of spring , 2017.
Last summer, when work had still to start on the facility, the then health secretary Shona Robison gave an assurance that the centre would be completed by the end of 2018. After further delay work was to have started this summer, only to be put back again until October.