The prospect of a new £64.3 million state-of-the-art Health and Care Centre for the North East of Glasgow moved one step closer today (Tuesday, 2 June).
An interim Board meeting of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde agreed the outline business case which will now be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Capital Investment Group for funding.
The centre, which is proposed for the Parkhead Hospital site, will bring together the key supports from a range of health and care professionals to tackle health inequalities, improve health and contribute to social regeneration.
A range of services, including GPs, a community pharmacy, child services, adult care, mental health, addictions, criminal justice and homelessness services will be located under one roof for the first time.
The proposed site was chosen for its good transport links and the opportunities for economic regeneration. Building a new health and care centre was also deemed to be more cost-effective than refurbishing the current Parkhead Hospital building. The hospital closed in 2018.
Susanne Millar, chief officer, Glasgow City HSCP, said: “This is a really positive development for the health of the people of the East End of Glasgow.
“It will give local people access to state-of-the-art health and care services in a facility fit for the 21st Century – all under one roof.
“It’s also a great opportunity to assist in regenerating the East End and Parkhead in particular, while making a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing. It will be a marked improvement on the current array of outdated buildings and will provide better access to the wide range of services.
“The East End’s health issues are well-documented – it experiences some of the worst socio-economic deprivation and health outcomes in the country. The planned design of the building will help further break down the barriers between services and help the people of the East End to flourish with access to health and social care support both where and when they need it.
NHSGGC’s Digital Strategy will also be at the heart of the project, with technology being used in many different ways to improve patient outcomes. This will include use of an Integrated Electronic Health & Care Record, fit for the modern age. Remote access to services will also be a feature, including Attend Anywhere, where patients can meet ‘virtually’ with health care professionals.