2 April 2008
Plans for a proposed new health centre on the south side of Inverness for around 15,000 patients will be available for public viewing next week (April 8) prior to a detailed planning application being submitted later in the month.
The new health centre would be located on the site of the former Slackbuie farm close to the proposed new Asda store, just off the Southern Distributor Road.
Two Inverness GP practices, Cairn Medical Practice and 43 Southside Road, propose to move to modern purpose built premises. They are working with specialist primary care developer, Assura, to develop the project. Assura has acquired a three acre site and has prepared plans for a 5220 sq metres building on 3 floors with around 200 car parking spaces.
Both Cairn and 43 Southside Road practices will be located in separate wings of the building and will continue to work as independent practices. In addition, the South East Highland Community Health Partnership, on behalf of NHS Highland, proposes to provide community nurses within the new centre and take space for much needed podiatry and physiotherapy services.
It is hoped that additional NHS dental facilities can be accommodated. Assura intend to build an additional wing for future expansion needs.
The plans and full information will be available for public viewing at an open day next Tuesday April 8 from 3pm to 6.30pm at Inshes Church, Inshes Retail Park, Sir Walter Scott Drive. We propose that there is a press briefing from 2pm to 3pm. Both practices have written to their patients about the proposed development and open day. For patients who cannot attend the open day, building plans and comment forms will be available at both surgeries.
Commenting on the plans, Lindsay Methven of Assura said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cairn and 43 Southside Road practices on these exciting plans for a new health centre which will provide much improved facilities for both patients and staff and allow for a greater range of NHS services to be available in one place.
We are also consulting with the Community Health Partnership and NHS Highland to ensure the plans fit in with overall NHS planning for the area.”
Dr Alex Thain, Cairn Medical Practice said: "This is an exciting opportunity for patients, doctors and staff. If approved, the new building will provide high quality premises for patients and allow the practice to develop new services. We are working closely with NHS Highland and 43 Southside Road on this project. We look forward to seeing our patients in this pleasant, modern surgery."
Dr Christopher Jones, Partner, 43 Southside Road Practice, said: "This project will take our Practice and the increased services we can offer to our patients into the next phase of primary care - we will, of course, ensure that our Practice remains independent, with friendly staff, and always fully committed to providing the highest standards of care to you all. We are very much looking forward to working in this exceptional new setting."
Nigel Small, general manager of the SE Highland Community Health Partnership, said: "The development provides a great opportunity to co-locate a whole range of patient services under one roof in modern, purpose built facilities. It will be good for patient care. On behalf of NHS Highland, we are working closely with the two GP Surgeries and the developers".
ENDS
Press enquiries regarding Assura Group and Assura Property to:
Andrew McKeon, AJM Public Relations.
Tel: 01423 734 560; Mobile: 07802 484 155
Louise Bathersby, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3830
