Douglas Lumsden MSP has called for the Scottish Government to clarify when funds will be made available for a much-needed replacement health centre in Ellon.
This follows the Scottish Government advising NHS boards across Scotland to halt projects that require funding from Holyrood.
This has resulted in the proposals to replace the health centre, which had been approved in 2020, being left in limbo. Meanwhile staff and patients are left to face the consequences as the facilities struggles to cope with the rising population in the town.
Douglas has been working with local Councillor Gillian Owen to see these much needed improvements delivered. She described the Scottish Government’s move as a “bitter blow” to the residents of Ellon.
At First Minister’s Questions Douglas asked Humza Yousaf to comment on the announcement.
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?”
The First Minister refused to give a timescale.
Douglas 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.”
