LOCHGELLY residents are being encouraged to share their views on plans for a new community health and wellbeing centre in the area.

It is recognised that the current Lochgelly Health Centre is no longer fit for purpose and the new centre is intended to flexibly meet the needs of the local population, providing a range of services including those provided by GPs, social care and the voluntary sector.

The Initial Agreement Document (IAD) was approved by Scottish Government in January and involved working closely with communities and staff in the area.

NHS Fife is now in the process of completing the Outline Business Cases (OBCs), part of the process to support decisions on how public funding is allocated.

A number of engagement activities will be held over the next month, providing the community with the opportunity to have their say and help shape the new centre.

As well as Lochgelly, the process will include a new centre being built in Kincardine.

Dona Milne, NHS Fife director of public health, said: “The new centres provide real opportunity to support the health and wellbeing of communities in both Kincardine and Lochgelly in a different and considered way.

“By bringing a range of services together in the one place, we are looking to meet the needs of local people and enhance the experience of patients and service users.

“The pandemic has meant that over the last few months we have had to pause some activities but we are very keen to restart conversations with individuals, local groups and organisations.

“I would encourage everyone to take the time to share their views – their input is crucial in helping us to understand what is important to people in both Kincardine and Lochgelly.”

With Covid-19 restrictions in place, activities will be conducted mainly via online forums including Practice websites, through voluntary sector organisations and discussion and engagement with interested groups.

In addition online surveys are available to complete here:

Residents can find the Lochgelly survey at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Lochgellycentre.

The survey will run from Monday, November 16 to Monday, December 14. Paper copies of the surveys will also be available in public venues including pharmacies, dentists and shops in Lochgelly.