First Minister urged to clarify when cash will be released for a new health centre in Ellon
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Urgent calls were made today at First Minister’s Questions to provide clarity on when plans to build a much-needed replacement health centre in Ellon can recommence.
At Holyrood north-east MSP Douglas Lumsden urged the First Minister to clarify when NHS Grampian will be allowed to access Holyrood cash again to push the Ellon plans forward having been approved in 2020.
Councillors were told on Tuesdaythat the proposals had been halted and were now in limbo despite extreme pressure on staff due to the building’s capacity amid the town’s rising population.
It comes after it was revealed that the Scottish Government has scrapped the current funding mechanism for capital projects while it develops a new process.
At Holyrood, Mr Lumsden asked the First Minister“what message he has for the residents of Ellon”.
He said: “Plans to build a much-needed new health centre in Ellon have been thrown into doubt as the Scottish Government have advised NHS boards across the country to halt projects that need Holyrood cash.
“Can the First Minister clarify how long this delay will be for and what message does he have for the residents of Ellon who currently have a facility that is full to the brim and not fit for purpose?”
In response, Mr Yousaf refused to give a timescale and said it has “excellent health centres” across Scotland.
Mr Lumsden later said: “Mr Yousaf’s response was an absolute insult to the people of Ellon who are suffering because they have a health centre which is not fit for the 21st century.
“The facility is crumbling and Humza Yousaf’s dismissal of the community’s concerns is a disgrace at a time when residents can’t access services as the building is not big enough for the rising population.
“Plans were approved three years ago and the land is sitting empty but a spade has yet to hit the ground yet due to the SNP Government’s failure to release funding to allow this essential project to become a reality.
“Rather than trying to play political games, Humza Yousaf must address this funding issue and I will continue to pressure him so Ellon finally gets the health centre it deserves and desperately needs.”
