Local communities are being encouraged to share their views on plans for new Community Health and Wellbeing Centres in Kincardine and Lochgelly.
It is recognised that the current Kincardine and Lochgelly Health Centres are no longer fit for purpose and the new centres are 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 both areas.
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.
As part of that work it is important that we continue to work closely with local communities and services to look further at how the centres could support the health and wellbeing of the populations of Lochgelly and Kincardine.
A number of engagement activities will be held over the next month, providing the communities with the opportunity to have their say and help shape the new centres.
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.”
Nicky Connor, Director of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, said, “It is so important for our communities to get involved in these discussions. The new centres need to provide the right health and wellbeing services for the people of Kincardine and Lochgelly and the best way for this to happen is for people to share their views and ideas of what they need. Please take the time to get involved.”
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:
Lochgelly survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Lochgellycentre/
Kincardine survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Kincardinecentre/
The surveys will run from Monday 16th November to Monday 14th December. Paper copies of the surveys will also be available in public venues including pharmacies, dentists and shops in Kincardine and Lochgelly.
You can find out further information on the NHS Fife website at: www.nhsfife.org/news-updates/community-health-and-wellbeing-centres/
