VILLAGERS in Kincardine are being asked to share their views on plans for a new Community Health and Wellbeing Centre in the town.

The new centre is intended to offer a range of services including those provided by GPs, social care and the voluntary sector.

It recognised that the current Kincardine Health Centre is no longer fit for purpose and an Initial Agreement Document (IAD) was approved by Scottish Government in January.

NHS Fife is now in the process of completing an Outline Business Case (OBC) – part of the process to support decisions on how public funding is allocated – for this and a similar centre in Lochgelly. As part of that, NHS Fife wants to continue to work closely with local communities and services to look further at how the centres could support the health and wellbeing of the population in Kincardine.

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 centres.

It's previously been reported that the cost of the new heath centre would be around £3.9m. 

Dona Milne, NHS Fife director of public health, said: “The new centre provides a real opportunity to support the health and wellbeing of Kincardine and 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 Kincardine.”

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 centre needs to provide the right health and wellbeing services for the people of Kincardine 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, an online survey is available to complete here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Kincardinecentre/ The surveys will run until December 14. Paper copies of the surveys will also be available in public venues including pharmacies, dentists and shops in Kincardine.

You can find out further information on the NHS Fife website at: www.nhsfife.org/news-updates/community-health-and-wellbeing-centres/