New health centre for Lochgelly at least five years away
ByAileen Robertson
Lochgelly residents will have to wait five years for a new health centre.
Despite concerns the existing Lochgelly Health Centre is no longer fit for purpose, the Scottish Government has ruled out fast-tracking a new facility.
Before work can start, NHS Fife has to put together a business case, which then needs to be examined by the Government a process expected to take five years.
Local councillor Mark Hood has written to health minister Shona Robison urging her to review the process.
“Lochgelly desperately needs a new health centre if we are to address the health needs of the community and we simply should not have to wait five years for that to happen,” he said.
“I recently was given a tour of the health centre by a local GP and it is clear the facilities are deteriorating quickly.
In her reply, Ms Robison said there was a need to ensure taxpayers’ money is invested appropriately.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “NHS Fife is in the process of developing the business case for a replacement health centre for Lochgelly.”