Another chance is being provided to see what the Stirling Community Hospital site might look like in a few years time. The latest version of the plans will be available at a public information evening later this month.

The event, which takes place from 5.30pm –  7.00pm on Tuesday 27th August 2013 in the lecture theatre at Stirling Community Hospital, will provide an update on the proposals to develop a new Care Village for older people on the site which would bring together a wide range of health, social care and GP services.

An exhibition and presentation on the Master Plan proposals will be available.  This will show where the different health, social care and potential new housing could be located on the hospital site.  Staff will also be on hand to answer your questions.

The development of the new Care Village would see the creation of a ‘care hub’ for older people, which could bring together existing care home and day care services currently provided by Stirling Council along with inpatient and specialist community health services provided by NHS Forth Valley. These include rehabilitation services along with inpatient services for patients who require rehabilitation, palliative care or ongoing care.

All existing health services at Stirling Community Hospital would continue to be provided on the site and Minor Injuries Services, X-ray and GP out-of-hours services would be brought together in new purpose-built facilities along with a number of local GP practices which are keen to be part of the potential new development.

The Scottish Ambulance Service is also exploring the possibility of relocating their existing ambulance station in the Riverside area of Stirling onto the Stirling Community Hospital site. In addition, there are longer term plans to explore the development of commercial, flexible and adaptable housing on the site.

The plans for the new Stirling Care Village are being developed as part of joint partnership between NHS Forth Valley and Stirling Council.  Forth Valley College is also exploring opportunities for people who want a career in care to be trained within the Care Village. This has potential to provide a wide range of employment, training, placement and volunteering opportunities for local young people.

Tom Steele, Director of Strategic Projects and Facilities, NHS Forth Valley, said:

 We held an initial information day earlier this year but thought it would be helpful to hold another event to provide an update on progress and give local people another opportunity to view the proposed plans and ask questions about the project.”

Councillor Christine Simpson, Convenor of the Social Care & Health Committee at Stirling Council said:

 We’re pleased to be offering an update on how our proposals for the creation of a ‘care hub’ for older people are progressing.   This is an important project for Stirling Council and NHS Forth Valley, which could provide numerous benefits for the local community, and I look forward to hearing feedback from the event.”

*The following GP practices have expressed an interest in being part of the potential new Care Village development

• Viewfield Medical Centre
• Park Avenue Medical Centre
• Park Terrace Medical Practice
• Allan Park Medical Practice
• St Ninian’s Medical Practice

Viewfield and Park Terrace practices have branch surgeries at St Ninian’s Health Centre which would also be incorporated into the proposed scheme List of GP practices.