Long-awaited plans which will see £11 million spent on two new health centres in Fife are finally set to take a step forward in the new year.
After the existing facilities in Kincardine and Lochgelly were deemed no longer fit for purpose, NHS Fife drew up plans to replace them with new community health and wellbeing centres but the project stalled.
After an initial agreement document (IAD) was approved by the Scottish Government in January, NHS Fife has confirmed it is now in the process of completing outline business cases and has encouraged local communities to share their views on the proposals.
The new centres, costing £6 million in Lochgelly and £5 million in Kincardine, are expected to provide a range of services including those provided by GPs, social care and the voluntary sector.
Dona Milne, NHS Fife director of public health, said a number of engagement activities will be held over the next month, providing communities with the opportunity to have their say and help shape the new hubs.
“The new centres provide real opportunity to support the health and wellbeing of communities in both Kincardine and Lochgelly in a different and considered way,” she said.
“By bringing a range of services together in the one place, we are looking to meet the needs of local people and enhance the experience of patients and service users.
“The pandemic has meant that over the last few months we have had to pause some activities but we are very keen to restart conversations with individuals, local groups and organisations.
“I would encourage everyone to take the time to share their views – their input is crucial in helping us to understand what is important to people in both Kincardine and Lochgelly.”
Nicky Connor, director of Fife’s health and social care partnership, said: “It is so important for our communities to get involved in these discussions.
“The new centres need to provide the right health and wellbeing services for the people of Kincardine and Lochgelly and the best way for this to happen is for people to share their views and ideas of what they need.”
Activities will be conducted mainly via online forums including practice websites, through voluntary sector organisations and discussion and engagement with interested groups.
In addition online surveys are available to complete from now until December 14 and are available via www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Lochgellycentre/ and www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Kincardinecentre/.
Paper copies of the surveys will also be available in public venues including pharmacies, dentists and shops in Kincardine and Lochgelly.
