£17m hub centre is ‘a first’ for health and social care

A STATE-OF-THE-ART health and care centre has been officially opened by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon.

The £17million Barrhead facility is a joint venture between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and East Renfrewshire Council and, uniquely, the building is jointly owned by the two organisations.

It will provide health services including GP, dental, physiotherapy and adult day services alongside community services such as district nursing, health visiting, the older people’s team and home care.

The project has been developed alongside the successful Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP), which manages local authority social care services and local NHS services within a single structure.

During her visit, Ms Sturgeon set out the way forward for the integration of health and social care in Scotland.

She said: “This new facility is absolutely consistent with the plans that we have for integration – providing accessible and integrated services within a single, shared location which is modern and fit for purpose.

“I would like to congratulate both East Renfrewshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for their vision in taking this forward. It’s fair to say this facility is unique but I don’t want it to stay that way.

“That is why the changes being laid out here are so important. They represent the radical reform that is badly needed to improve care for older people.”

Ian Lee, vice chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said that since the centre became operational in April, it has been welcomed by staff. He added: “It provides care in the heart of the local community.”

East Renfrewshire Council leader Jim Fletcher said the centre “shows what can be done when public service partners come together”.

The total investment in the centre is £17.6m from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and East Renfrewshire Council. The facility is owned 80% by the NHS and 20% by the council.