The Centre will provide more modern, spacious accommodation for a number of existing health services include Minor Injuries services, X-ray facilities and GP out-of-hours services. It will also house a number of local GP practices, which are relocating to the centre.
Also being built in the grounds of Stirling Community Hospital, is a new Care Hub with more than 100 beds to provide short-term care, assessment or rehabilitation to older people who require additional support following an illness or operation. A comfortable, homely environment will help older people recover, regain their independence and, in the majority of cases, return to their own homes.
The new Stirling Care Village is a £35m development, which is a joint venture between Stirling Council, NHS Forth Valley and the Scottish Ambulance Service, who plan to re-locate their existing ambulance station there from the Riverside area of the city. Forth Valley College is also keen to explore opportunities to offer local young people who are considering a career in the health and care sector, a range of training and volunteering opportunities within the new Care Village.
The Care Village will also support the integration of local health and social care services, making it easier for staff to work together to deliver better co-ordinated, more joined up care to local people – a key aim of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership.
Stirling Council Leader Scott Farmer said, “It was wonderful to be present at the topping out ceremony for the new Primary and Urgent Care Centre, and to see how this fantastic facility will utilise some of the latest building technology to provide excellent accommodation for a range of health services.
“The Care Village is an important and big step forward in delivering health care for the Stirling area. It is vital that we invest now on a service fit for the future, and the Care Village will ensure that the best care is provided for our residents.”