Sturgeon officially opens Renfrew health and social work centre

A HARD-fought campaign to build a new health centre came to an end when Scotland’s health secretary officially opened its doors.

Renfrew residents had spent years campaigning for a new health centre to replace the one on Paisley Road and cater for the hundreds of new residents living in the town. Now MSP Nicola Sturgeon has granted them their wish after opening the £18 million centre on Ferry Road just three years after former Health Minister Andy Kerr pledged millions to make it happen.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I am sure patients and service users will be delighted with this improved new facility, which brings together key primary care and social work services in one convenient location.”

The new centre – which looks after 20,000 Renfrew residents – opened for business back in March bringing together health and social work services under one roof for the first time.

It is home to the 11 GPs at the three practices in the town which relocated from the old health centre.

The building also offers a range of services including a general dental service, physiotherapy, podiatry, speech and language therapy, community nursing and the joint learning disability service for all of Renfrewshire social work services.

Renfrewshire North MSP Wendy Alexander was delighted to see the building officially opened after working with residents on their long campaign.

She said: “This is a great day for Renfrew. This centre was built because almost five years ago the patients of Renfrew mounted a massive campaign petitioning the last Scottish Government for a new health centre fit for 21st century.

“The town’s efforts attracted the attention of Andy Kerr, who was Health Minister at the time and in January 2007 he visited the town and pledged £7m extra to make this state-of-the-art centre happen.

“I was proud to be involved in organising the petition and securing Government cash to get the Centre underway.

“For the first time Renfrew will have its own minor surgery and new specialist clinics. Well done Renfrew – you made it happen!”

Effie McGachie, chair of Renfrew Community Council said residents were “highly delighted” with the new centre.

She added: “It’s beautiful – really modern and bright.

“In fact if you go in feeling unwell, you come out feeling better because it is just so nice inside!

“Having all the service together under one roof is a major benefit too.”