The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Town ‘let down and unheard’
Fife patients say they are devastated by promises of “sticking plaster” repairs to their crumbling health centre. Lochgelly Health Centre is in line for remedial works, including repairs to leaking roofs and faulty heating.
However, hopes of overturning a decision to delay funding for a new £6 million facility for the town appear dashed.
Campaign group Friends of Lochgelly Health Centre plan to point out a host of issues to Health Minister Neil Gray during a visit on May 22.
They have called on the public to make their voices heard on the day.
Chairman Garrie Roberts said: “We find ourselves positively devastated by the lack of promises being fulfilled. Lochgelly is growing but without its health and wellbeing needs being met.”
Mr Roberts was speaking following a meeting with NHS Fife chiefs.
He described the health centre as dilapidated but is assured the Fife board supports the campaign.
“Although NHS Fife is behind us, it is the existing Scottish Government that is the problem,” he said.
“Currently, all we can expect is some remedial work being carried out.
“This will involve repairing the heating, repairs to the leaks in the roofs and new flooring. But in reality, this only offers a sticking plaster at this time.
“There are problems with the entrance to the building where concrete is broken and unsafe, making access difficult.”
Mr Roberts added: “The residents of Lochgelly feel totally let down and unheard.
“They urgently need a medical centre that meets all the needs of an ageing population with proposals for further growth in the town.
“The people of Lochgelly and district deserve more and we will continue in our campaign.”
Former health minister Michael Matheson was met by protesters during a visit to the town last year.
He was shown a hole in a ceiling with a bucket underneath to catch rainwater. Building work was expected to start last year but the Scottish Government announced cash will now not be available until at least 2025.
Ministers have blamed reduced funding from Westminster, along with increased inflation.