Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has confirmed Scottish Government plans to fund a new medical centre in Fife after Covid-related delays.
Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing called for urgency in progressing plans for the new health centre in Lochgelly.
Locals have faced a long wait for the medical centre, which will replace the current facility on David Street, with work currently expected to begin in early 2023 according to NHS Fife.
Asked about the issue in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday by Ms Ewing, Humza Yousaf said the government was expecting a business case from NHS Fife early next year.
He explained that while the project was now moving forward it had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Yousaf said it would be funded through the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest £10 billion in health infrastructure over the next 10 years.
“I know that this has been a longer process than anybody would have liked but it is really necessary for any capital project that we ensure the business case does stack up,” he said.
I know that this has been a longer process than anybody would have liked
Humza Yousaf
“I can confirm that the project is moving forward.”
Ms Ewing said whilst she was aware Covid-19 had impacted on the timetable she wanted “some urgency” injected into the long-standing project.
Welcoming the health secretary’s commitment, Annabelle Ewing MSP said she was “delighted” by the assurance and confirmation that the project was part of the government’s £10 billion infrastructure funding plans.
She added: “The Cabinet Secretary also acknowledged the frustration that is felt by my constituents with the extend to which this project has been delayed – we all understand the impact that the Covid pandemic has had on so many things.
“As I said to the Cabinet Secretary, time is moving on and there is a need for urgency in the process.
“I look forward to hearing that the business case has been submitted by NHS Fife and that we truly are moving forward with this very important and much needed project.”
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