NHS gives assurances over health and social centre

NHS leaders today said they were committed to building a new health and social centre in Firrhill and quashed rumours of financial problems.

The new three-storey centre near Colinton will move two GP practices to one location, alongside district nurses and health visitors. It will also bring together other community services, such as the local social work office and an older people's day facility.

The new building will be connected to the existing Firrhill Medical Centre on Colinton Mains Drive. Initial estimates suggest work may be finished by 2010.

Local Tory councillor Jason Rust raised concerns after rumours surfaced that problems had been encountered during the design of the business case.

But David Small, general manager of the NHS Edinburgh Community Health Partnership, said: "I would like to give assurance that we remain committed to the completion of this project in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council.

"We are currently working through the finer details, in conjunction with the council, ahead of preparing the standard business case."

He added: "We are currently working to an estimated completion date of 2010."