Hunter Health Centre plans delayed

Mar 10 2010 by Shona Mitchell, East Kilbride News

PLANS for a new Hunter Health Centre have been put on hold until at least 2013.

The News reported in December how the health centre has been branded a health hazard by staff and patients, who claim it is falling apart at the seams.

But this week, NHS Lanarkshire admitted the centre is now only being considered for the next phase of capital developments, which will start in 2013.

Hunter Health Centre, which is the home of six separate GP practices, caters for around 50,000 patients, making it the busiest health centre in the town.

When the centre opened it was intended it would be replaced around the turn of the millennium and over the last few years its condition has deteriorated rapidly.

In 2005 plans were announced to incorporate a new state-of-the-art health centre in the town centre redevelopment – but that has been postponed indefinitely.

A spokesman for NHS Lanarkshire said: “NHS Lanarkshire has made significant progress in the last few years in taking forward capital developments.

“Some, such as the Greenhills Health and Dental Centre and the Douglas Street Community Clinic, have recently been completed and others are due to open soon such as the new Coatbridge Health Centre, Caird House and Coathill developments.

“During the course of this year, we will be considering the next phase of capital developments beyond 2013.

“Eight projects remain on NHS Lanarkshire’s second phase priority list and these will remain under continual review and will be subject to available resources.

“Wherever possible early interim solutions will be identified. The replacement of Hunter Health Centre remains on the list of future developments.

“We will be engaging with the wider public to discuss the second phase developments.”