Gourock site chosen for 77-bed mental health facility

HEALTH bosses want to use the site of Kempock House in Gourock for a new 77-bed facility for people with mental health problems.

The proposal for the Kirn Drive location is being developed to replace services provided at Ravenscraig Hospital, Greenock, which is closing.

A report to councillors on the Health and Social Care committee states: “This offers a once-only opportunity to provide alternative services on a significant scale to meet both the current and projected needs of Inverclyde residents with long-term mental health problems who would have been treated in a psychiatric hospital setting.”

It adds: “The proposed developments offer vastly improved living and care arrangements for adults with mental health problems, a traditionally marginalised and excluded group.”

Health services hope the centre will be open by December 2011. It would have 33 NHS continuing care older adult and 24 older adults care home places.

There would also be 10 NHS continuing care adult beds, eight adult residential places and two NHS-funded adult crisis response beds.

It is proposed that Inverclyde Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde select a developer partner to provide the facility over several decades.

The council would require a fully inclusive service from the contractor for the provision of care home and residential beds.

Clinical services including nursing input would be provided directly by the NHS in continuing care beds.

All other support staff — facilities, housekeeping, catering – would be provided by the partner or their agent.

It is proposed that the land – about 1.5 hectares — will be made available at cost to the developer to build the accommodation required.

The council’s Regeneration Committee have previously approved the use of the site for a care facility in principle.

A report relating to the disposal of the site will be presented to the next meeting of Inverclyde Council’s Policy and Resource Committee on 15 December.

Consultation in relation to planning regulations will have to take place.