Replacement Health Centre Campaign
The current health centre is over thirty years old and has outlived it's original purpose. When the Health Centre was built, we didn’t have the same level of population that we have now, with the development of the Beeches, New Farm Vale & The Avenue housing schemes. The practice wasn’t expected to provide health cover for areas outwith the town. It is evident as soon as you enter the property that it isn’t suitable for the volume of people who are using it. The proposed increase of housing in Lochgelly will make this situation even worse.
The Lochgelly Community Council area has a higher level of patients with more than one significant illness in comparison with Fife and Scotland, a higher level of prescribed medication for mental health than Fife and Scotland, and is an area of multi-deprivation. The statistics available show that the Town needs a Health Centre that is able to support the people of the town and able to provide the focused services needed in the area.
The land has been set aside and the planning permission granted. The last part required is Scottish Government funding for the building process. There are currently no plans or a timeframe for these funds to be made available.
What the Community Council are calling for
- The immediate acceleration of the business case for a new health centre
- the designs to include a new centre with facilities to support the widening range of health and social problems
- acceleration of plans for The new build, supported by sufficient funding.
The Community Council know that we need one now , the people of Lochgelly know that we need one now, the local politicians know that we need one now and the practitioners know that we need one now!
Lochgelly deserves better and together, we can make it happen. The campaign for a new health centre is more than a call for bricks and mortar; it's a movement for dignity, privacy, and proper care. The current facility has been described as “functionally inadequate,” with flooding, poor accessibility, and cramped conditions that compromise patient well-being.
Two Scottish Health Ministers—Michael Matheson and Neil Gray—have visited the site. Mr Matheson’s visit in 2023 left campaigners disappointed, with no firm commitment or Timescale. Neil Gray’s more recent visit in July 2024 offered a glimmer of hope, as he listened to concerns and acknowledged the urgent need for a replacement. However, funding remains uncertain, with capital decisions delayed until at least 2026 due to inflation and budget constraints.
The community is facing a huge number of new housing sites, and this will only make the situation worse. But this campaign is gaining momentum. Community voices are growing louder, and plans are underway to take the campaign to a new level. Every show of support strengthens the case.
The Community needs a health centre that can provide the latest in healthcare, treatments, and support that our community needs & deserves. Lochgelly has waited long enough—it’s time.
You can contact us for further information by emailing cclochgelly@gmail.com or using the Contact Us form.
