Health Secretary Cuts First Sod for New £17m Health and Care Centre in the Gorbals, Glasgow
A major milestone in the construction of the new Gorbals Health and Care Centre took place today when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Shona Robison MSP, cut the first sod at a special ceremony.
This project represents a significant investment in the area with a cost of just over £17 million and will provide a wide range of benefits for the community it serves. This includes the transfer of four General Practices, one Dental Practice and other primary and community care services from the current health centre, as well as the introduction of other services, including specialist children’s services, community addictions services and social work services.
The new Centre is being delivered in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Glasgow City Council through their development partner hub West Scotland. Apollo is a joint venture partner, shareholder in hub West Scotland, and delivers specialist development and procurement services on health and social care projects, alongside equity investment. Johnny Dryburgh, Chief Executive of Apollo, was present in his capacity as a Director of Hub West Scotland. Johnny commented: “This building is a fantastic example of collaboration and joint delivery between two significant public bodies: Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and I am proud that hub West Scotland has had the opportunity to lead the design and development of high quality facilities that will support the innovative delivery of co-located public services.”
This new building provides an opportunity to reshape services from a patient and service user perspective with care that is more integrated, accessible and efficient.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Shona Robison MSP, said: “I’m delighted to be here today to take part in the sod-cutting ceremony for this fantastic new development.
“I am very pleased that this new Health Centre will provide the modern facilities and equipment that people expect of a first class, 21st century health service. I am confident that everyone who works in this new facility, and all the patients who pass through its doors in the years ahead, will benefit greatly as a result.
“Investment in health services continues to be a top priority for the Scottish Government. Indeed, these facilities are just one of many being completed across Scotland, including in Glasgow, all of which demonstrate not just our continued commitment to investment in health, but to capital investment generally.”
The site itself is very well situated, being just a short distance away from the current health centre and social work offices which is incredibly fortunate as there should be minimal impact or additional travel time for people who use those services.
The centre will also house a series of digital portraits hung throughout the building, almost like a gallery. The art strategy group, which engages with local people and staff for creative input, has already captured 500 photo portraits of local people and staff which will be on display in the new centre as part of the art work.
