What is "Plan B" now Garioch Life Centre abandoned?

In his letter, Cllr Ford expresses regret at the decision not to proceed with the Garioch Life Centre, concern at how the existing facilities will cope with continuing population growth and asks about the process for deciding on and delivering an alternative.
        

For the text of Cllr Ford's letter see Note 1 below.
    
Commenting Cllr Ford said: "Whilst I understand NHS Grampian can only spend the money they have, not being to be able to proceed with such a badly needed facility is sad measure of the financial pressure being put on our public services."
       

Councillor Ford is an independent councillor and a member of the Scottish Green Party.

    
ENDS
  

Notes

1. Cllr Ford's letter to Mr Dustan: 

      

Dear Mr Dustan

     

I write in connection with the decision by NHS Grampian not to proceed with the planned Garioch Life Centre in Inverurie. I understand the decision to be down to the need to curtail expenditure in the present climate of public sector cuts.

       

I realise, of course, that the NHS can only spend the money it has. I do however believe the decision is very regrettable. There is no doubt that new health facilities are desperately needed in Inverurie. The Garioch Life Centre had been under discussion for years and had gained planning approval. The concept offered something new and better to meet the health needs of the residents of Inverurie and surrounding areas.

   

You will know too that further land in the Inverurie area is zoned for housing in the Proposed Aberdeenshire Local Plan, so the pressure on the facilities at the Inverurie Health Centre is not going to reduce.

 

I note that you are reported as saying that finding an alternative solution to the accommodation problems in Inverurie remains a priority. Given the practicalities of delivering new health infrastructure, my concern would be how long it may take to agree and deliver an alternative plan for new facilities in Inverurie.

   

I would be grateful if you could advise on the decision making process for new health facilities in Inverurie now that it is confirmed that the Garioch Life Centre will not proceed. Are you able to give any indication of the timescale for deciding on and delivering a new health centre?

   

Yours sincerely

 

Cllr Martin Ford