£1.46 Million earmarked for learning disabilities centre on Tayside

DUNDEE City Council is proposing a major upgrade of the Mackinnon Centre for adults with disabilities in Broughty Ferry. The scrutiny committee heard last Wednesday that almost £1.5 million has been earmarked for improvements to the centre, a purpose built, 12-bed respite unit for adults with disabilities.

Following an inspection by the Care Commission, which generally gave the centre a very positive report, the scrutiny committee raised concerns about changes to door widths required to allow all the rooms to be accessed by wider wheelchairs.

At a recent meeting, committee members heard that a need to improve the physical standards of the centre had been identified.

Councillors heard it was clear that the fabric of the building, which is now more than 20 years old, is showing its age and does not meet the standards required by external registering organisations or best practice.

Apart from door widths, there were other substantial issues which needed to be addressed.

They reflect changes in the centre’s function over the years, changing opinions about space standards, developments in care practice and higher care standards imposed by regulatory bodies.

The committee was told the social work department has been in discussion with architectural services colleagues to establish the design options available for an upgrade.

The council’s capital programme contains £1.46 million for developing the centre.

Users of the centre have been consulted to ensure their views are incorporated into the development plans and discussions have begun with NHS Tayside about long-term arrangements to use the Mackinnon Centre for the joint delivery of services to meet national priorities for rehabilitation and social inclusion for disabled people.

After the meeting, social work and health convener, Councillor Jim Barrie, said a report appraising the options for upgrading the centre would be presented to his committee.