Waiting for an answer

Eastwood MSP Ken Macintosh believes it is imperative the Scottish government grants full approval so building work can begin.

He told The Extra: “There has been a pressing need for improved health centre facilities in Eastwood for many years, and it is time this project was delivered.

“It is right that time and care have been put in to make sure the building is fit for purpose, but now building needs to start.”

If the full business case is given the go-ahead, work will begin in May this year with the centre being completed by September 2015.

The £14.5 million facility at Drumby Crescent will accommodate a number of services and staff groups including GPs, physiotherapy, podiatry, adult and older people’s mental health, children and family services, social work, district nurses and allied health professionals.

Meanwhile, NHS GGC recently confirmed the £2.7 million East Pollokshields health centre is on target to open at the end of 2014.

The new centre will include accommodation for two GP practices, health visitors, district nursing, other visiting health clinicians and health improvement.

The facility, which will be called the Shields Centre, will house social work services to replace the social work office in McCulloch Street.

Robert Calderwood, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Agreeing a new funding model through the Scottish government’s hub initiative is allowing us to build another five health centres, giving patients some of the best in modern healthcare facilities.”