ALREADY on the waiting list for at least five years, it looks like we may finally see a new health centre in Lochgelly.
NHS Fife have confirmed that building work on a new facility at Francis Street should begin early in 2023 and be ready to open a year later, in the first quarter of 2024.
Calls for the current centre in David Street to be replaced go back to at least 2016 and, despite the progress report this week, it's still another two and a half years away for locals who have already been very patient.
Cllr Mary Lockhart, who represents Lochgelly, Cardenden and Benarty, said: "There's no doubt Lochgelly urgently needs a new health centre and more GPs to help staff it.
"So the fact we're finally getting it is to be welcomed and celebrated.
"There should be great rejoicing but it has taken way, way too long.
"I put the blame for that at the door of the Scottish Government as they have prevaricated repeatedly with consultation after consultation that have all said the same thing: we need a new health centre."
It's long been accepted that the current health centre on David Street is too small, too old and no longer fit for the purpose of serving a community with a rising population.
A report that went before the NHS Fife board in September 2019 said the Lochgelly premises were "functionally inadequate and compromise pro-active patient care".
Cllr Lockhart said: "I know there have been several sites mooted and they've been talking about it for years.
"I'm sure it was to be up and ready before I became a councillor, around 2016-17, it was imminent at that point and didn't happen.
"Finally, it's such a good thing it's going ahead because for the area and community it serves, the centre has long been too small.
"The waiting rooms were often packed to the gunnels, standing room only, and the consulting rooms are small and poky."
NHS Fife recognised the need to replace the centre with "modern, purpose-built facilities", but the initial agreement submitted to the Scottish Government in August 2017 was rejected.
Ministers asked for revisions and more information ahead of fresh plans being put forward in the summer of 2019.
An initial agreement was approved by the government in January 2020 and the health board is preparing the outline business case.
A new health centre is also planned in Kincardine, the combined cost of the two facilities was previously put at £6 million, and NHS Fife said a recent survey on the proposals had nearly 600 survey responses, with more than 70 local groups and organisations taking part.
It asked what the centres should look like and what they should offer.
The following ideas were suggested: access to a range of services eg carers support, mental health support groups; access to different wellbeing services eg walking groups, exercise groups, community garden; increased opening times; improved appointment systems using video/telephone consultations and face-to-face appointments as required; improved repeat prescribing services; better links between services; co-ordinated services, with patients referred to the most appropriate services at the right time; develop new or existing services eg weight management advice, frailty service, long term condition support groups/clinics
It was also suggested that the buildings should both be accessible and user-friendly as well as taking into account recycling needs, the use of solar panels and electric car charging, in the planning stage.
NHS Fife said: "After hearing your thoughts, we have already started to use this feedback.
"Some changes will take more time, but are part of the programme.
"We are also working with the local GP practices in Lochgelly and Kincardine and other services to see if we can make any of the improvements or changes now."
The ideas will help shape the business case for the Scottish Government which will be submitted for approval later this year.
Anyone wishing to get in touch with NHS Fife about new Lochgelly health centre can email:
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