Multi-million pound north-east health centre vying for planning approval

Plans for a new £14.6million replacement medical practice in the heart of Aberdeenshire will go before councillors next week.The proposals to build an Inverurie Health and Care Hub follow residents’ calls for a replacement for the current practice after huge expansions to the town.Planning authorities are now advising that Garioch area committee approve the scheme, which would improve both dental and maternity services.The hub would be located at the site of Inverurie Hospital and would involve the demolition of its Ashcroft ward and ambulance service building.The development would deliver health care for the Inverurie Medical Practice catchment area in both primary care services and intermediate care for maternity, diagnostic and treatment services.The remaining Allan and Donbank wards, along with the admin block and renal unit, would be kept.Those in favour of the scheme have commented that it is long overdue and that the replacement centre could provide relief to mounting pressures on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.