Proposals to create a new care village in the grounds of Stirling Hospital have been given the green light.
The Outline Business Case for the development has been formally approved by the Scottish government, which means plans can now be taken forward to the next stage. This will include producing more-detailed designs and financial costings. These will form part of a Full Business Case which, if approved, could see construction starting later this year and the new facilities becoming operations in summer 2017.
The new care village would offer a wide range of health, social care and GP services provided by Stirling Council, NHS Forth Valley and a number of local GP practices. These include services for older people who require short-term care, an assessment or rehabilitation following an illness, operation or acute hospital admission. It would also provide specialist support for patients with dementia and those who require palliative care and end-of-life care.
Services will be delivered in a modern, purpose-built facility with more than 100 short-stay beds. This will provide a comfortable, homely environment for older people to help them recover, regain their independence and, in the majority of cases, return to their own homes.
The plans would also see the creation of new facilities to house a number of existing health services on the site, including a minor injuries service, X-ray, and GP out-of-hours service.
NHS Forth Valley is working on the project with jmarchitects.