Brooksby confirmed as new site for North West Ayrshire Resource Centre

Date: 13 September 2005

North Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire & Arran have been working in partnership to re-assess proposals for the North West Ayrshire Resource Centre in Largs.

At their council meeting today (Tuesday 13 September 2005) North Ayrshire Council members heard that agreement has now been reached to locate the centre on the site of Brooksby House Hospital, Brooksby Day Hospital and the adjoining land within Moorburn House.

The decision ensures that the popular site will continue to be owned by NHS Ayrshire & Arran for the delivery of health services to the people of Largs.

The main benefits of locating the resource centre include:

• the creation of a public sector campus in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, with a range of services located alongside each other to create greater integration
• the potential to develop further public sector and other community services on the site
• the ability to develop the site further in future years, should this be required
• a location more central to the town centre and therefore more convenient for members of the public
• increased car parking

The revised project plan indicates that the development will be complete by spring 2008.

Although the new proposals will take longer to deliver, both NHS Ayrshire & Arran and North Ayrshire Council are convinced that this plan will bring longer-term, sustainable services for the community.

The proposal is supported by the two organisations at the highest level, by the Scottish Executive Health Department and by the local GPs.

Dr Allan Gunning, Chief Operating Executive – NHS Ayrshire & Arran, commented:

"We are very pleased that we can now give the people of Largs confirmation of the expected completion of a resource centre on the Brooksby site. Teams from NHS Ayrshire & Arran and North Ayrshire Council will now continue to work in partnership to deliver integrated health and community services at this central site by spring 2008.

"The priority now for NHS Ayrshire & Arran and North Ayrshire Council is on continuing to have discussions with inpatients at Brooksby and their families, to ensure that their first choice of a new location is achieved. No decision will be made about a closure date for Brooksby House until we have made satisfactory arrangements for suitable, alternative accommodation for these patients."

Councillor David O’Neill, leader, North Ayrshire Council, said: "The creation of this public sector campus on the Brooksbury/Moorburn site consolidates services for the people of Largs and will lead to a better provision of service.

This is a clear example of the Council’s commitment to working with our community partners and to the principles of efficient government. As we continue to work out the details, this partnership will encourage all of us to find ways of making savings at the same time as providing a better service for the public."

GP Dr Douglas Soutter said: "Both GP practices in Largs are supportive of a single-site solution to the future health needs of the local population. We look forward to an early start to the proposed development and subsequent use of the facilities."

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