Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has officially opened the £37m Stirling Health and Care Village, an innovative development that will benefit thousands of people across Forth Valley.
The Health and Care Village is a joint venture between NHS Forth Valley, Stirling Council, the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Robertson served as main contractor on the project, which was developed through hub East Central Scotland — a joint partnership between public and private sector organisations.
The development includes a new GP and Minor Injuries Centre, the Bellfield Centre (which provides short-term care, rehabilitation and assessments), a refurbished outpatient centre and a new base for the Scottish Ambulance Service, which has relocated from its previous site in the Riverside area of the city.
David Cairns, Managing Director, Robertson Central East, said: “The close collaboration between all parties involved in Stirling Health and Care Village has been key to its success. The facilities delivered on site are second to none and I have no doubt that people across the region will benefit from the attention to detail put into the project at every stage.”
During her visit Ms Freeman met health, social care and ambulance service staff working across the Care Village. This included staff based in the new Bellfield Centre, which provides short-term care, assessment and rehabilitation for people who require additional support following an illness or operation.
The Bellfield Centre’s modern design includes a cafe area, hairdresser and a multipurpose area, which can be used by local community groups and volunteers. Striking artwork has been incorporated throughout the building along with high ceilings and large windows to create a light, stimulating and welcoming environment.
Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland said: “We worked closely with all of the partners involved to manage the successful completion of Stirling Health and Care Village on time and on budget. We are proud to have delivered such high quality facilities which have been designed and built to meet the specific needs of the local community for many years to come.”
Therapeutic courtyard gardens and roof terraces provide access to outdoor spaces and fresh air along with raised planters for gardening and walkways to nearby woodland. Communal social/dining areas have been created to encourage greater interaction, reduce isolation and provide spaces for gathering and activities.
The Outpatient Centre, which formed part of the previous Stirling Community Hospital development, has undergone a programme of refurbishment. It continues to provide a wide range of outpatient clinics for thousands of patients every week alongside Livilands Resource Centre, which provides a wide range of mental health day services and support.
Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, said: “I am pleased to open Stirling Health & Care Village. This £37m facility is a good example of bringing health and social care services closer together, in line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to shift the balance of care towards mental health, and to primary, social and community care.
Patients, their families, and staff all benefit from health and social care services that are joined-up and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the project partners for the way they’ve worked together to deliver this fantastic asset for the people of Forth Valley.”
The 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.
Cathie Cowan, Chief Executive, NHS Forth Valley, said: “This site has a long and proud history as it was the home of the former Stirling Royal Infirmary and, more recently, Stirling Community Hospital. The official opening marks the start of an exciting new chapter which will ensure the site continues to play an important role in the delivery of high quality local health and care services.”
Forth Valley College also plans to deliver a range of training, education and skills development to support the current and future workforce within the Stirling Health and Care Village and across the wider health and social care sector.
Header image shows the Health Secretary (centre) pictured with senior representatives from all partner agencies.
