Plans for the development of a larger, purpose-built health centre in Doune moved a step forward following the approval of outline plans.

The Outline Business Case (OBC) for the new £2.6m facility in Doune has been formally approved by the Scottish Government which means plans can now be taken forward to the next stage. This will include the development of more detailed designs and financial costings for the new facility which aims to meet rising demand and accommodate the future needs of the growing local population.

These will form part of a Full Business Case which is currently being developed and will be submitted in early 2018. If approved, construction could then start in April 2018 and the new health centre could be operational by April 2019.

The approval of these outline plans is a major milestone and brings the creation of this important new facility one step closer.

Fiona Ramsay, Interim Chief Executive, NHS Forth Valley, said: “The new purpose-built health centre will make it easier and quicker for people to access the care and support they require in their local community and reduce the need to travel to hospital for treatment. It will also provide opportunities to deliver a wider range of health and social care services in the future to provide more seamless, joined up care.

“A great detail of work has already been carried and we will continue to work closely with staff from the existing health centre to develop plans.”

The development of a new health centre is a priority as the current facility is overcrowded, requires considerable maintenance and is too small to accommodate the future needs of the growing local population.

Building a larger healthcare centre will enable a wide range of services to be delivered locally. These include physiotherapy, podiatry, counselling and services to support people with long term conditions such as diabetes, dementia and COPD (a common respiratory disease). There would also be more opportunities to help patients improve their own health by providing additional support and advice on diet, exercise, managing medicines and giving up smoking. In addition, there would be improved facilities for the existing GP practice as well as accommodation for a range of visiting outpatient and services such as antenatal and child health clinics.

As part of the plans, around £200,000 would also be invested to purchase new equipment, furniture and fittings for the new centre.