Possilpark to get new £9m wellbeing centre

A community rated the most deprived in Glasgow is to get a new £9 million health and wellbeing centre. The project in Saracen Street, which is due to open in 2012, will replace the existing health centre in Denmark Street which was built more than 30 years ago.

Patients will be consulted on the services and design of the building which will accommodate three GP practices and serve a population of more than 8000. Funding will come from the Scottish Government’s Primary and Community Care Modernisation Programme.

Based on the “one-stop shop” principle, patients, especially those with long-term health conditions, will benefit from accessing as many services as possible during one visit. The centre will also include a new dental health suite, physiotherapy facilities, specialist children’s services, youth health services and outreach clinics.

Jim MacKechnie, chairman of North Glasgow Community Health and Care Partnership, said: “The Saracen Street project presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate in a very tangible and high-profile way NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s commitment to improving health and contributing to social regeneration in areas of deprivation.

“The new centre brings together key health and social care staff under one roof with a focus on prevention and early intervention, particularly concentrating on parenting, nutrition and children’s health.

“Saracen Street is a high-profile site in Possilpark and its redevelopment will have symbolic importance for the whole community and bring hope for future regeneration of the area.”

Evelyn Borland, head of planning and health improvement at the CHCP said it is not possible to upgrade and expand the existing centre which has poor access for the elderly and disabled.

“The new centre will be in an area that really needs it. It will be located on a very large site at the end of the shopping area which has been an eyesore, empty space for a number of years so will make a huge difference.”

The health centre in Denmark Street will make way for the new centre.