DUNFERMLINE and West Fife's MSP will raise the urgent need for a new Kincardine Health Centre with the Health Secretary. 

Shirley-Anne Somerville is set to sit down with Michael Matheson next month and will use the opportunity to raise the community's concerns on the matter. 

"Everyone knows that a new health centre in Kincardine is badly needed," she said. "Unfortunately, the UK Government's decision to provide a lower capital grant has had a huge impact on this project.

"Construction costs have also risen significantly due to high inflation - further reckless action by Westminster that's cost our communities.

"However, I remain determined to play my part and do whatever I can to ensure people in Kincardine can benefit from this purpose-built facility as soon as possible.

"The health centre will bring together a range of services – from GP practices and social care to community and voluntary sectors – improving the experience of patients and service users across West Fife."

READ MORE: Planning application for new health centre submitted

Shirley-Anne will be joined at the meeting by West Fife and Coastal Villages councillor  Samantha Steele.

Cllr Steele added: "I'm pleased that the Scottish Government have confirmed they are still fully committed to the project.

"Having worked in Kincardine Health Centre with the community midwifery team, I can 100 per cent agree that the building is no longer fit for purpose - and hasn't been for a long time.

"My previous attempts to connect with the Health Secretary had been unsuccessful, so I am grateful to Shirley-Anne for securing this meeting.

"It is vital that Mr Matheson visits Kincardine to see first-hand what staff and patients are having to endure here, and I will be pushing for the funding to be released to get the plans for the new centre back on track."