Proposals for a new health centre in Ellon will not be submitted for at least another two years, NHS Grampian has revealed.
In their response to a letter from Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross, the health board said it has been instructed by the Scottish Government to identify only three infrastructure priorities across the entire NHS Grampian region by March 2027 for possible funding.
The three projects put forward by NHS Grampian will then be reviewed by government officials who will decide which, if any, projects will be allowed to progress to a business case stage.
Ms Cross, the MP for the area, described the revelation as an “affront to the people of Ellon” who are contending with a “crumbling health centre that is not fit for purpose”.
NHS Grampian’s plans for a new health hub, designed to ease pressure on staff due to the town’s rising population, were approved in 2020 following the demolition of the former Ellon Academy, but have been unable to progress since due to funding not being made available to deliver the project.
The proposals would have the most up-to-date space and technical standards for GP practices and services. It would also include scope to allow for 50% expansion space should NHS Grampian need to expand to meet the demands of an increasing population.
Scottish Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan, Harriet Cross, said: “If Ellon Health Centre is selected as one of the ‘final three’ by NHS Grampian, the revelation that plans for a new health centre won’t even be considered until March 2027 is an affront to the people of Ellon.
“A new health hub was given the green light by Aberdeenshire Council five years ago, yet patients are still no closer to finding out if these proposals will ever become a reality.
“The blame lies at the door of the Scottish Government, which has axed all funding for any new-build projects across the North East.
“A new health centre would be transformational for residents, helping to deliver care faster and more locally, catching illnesses earlier, and reducing the need to travel into Aberdeen for vital appointments.
“I will continue to monitor the situation for Ellon and have regular discussions with NHS Grampian to ensure a new health hub is one of the three projects brought forward.”
In a response to Mr Cross’ concerns, NHS Grampian’s interim chief executive, Dr Adam Coldwells, said: “We were at a reasonably advanced stage in developing the business case for the site, but in February 2024 work was paused following the issue of revised capital and infrastructure planning arrangements by the Scottish Government.
“These arrangements instructed health boards not to submit business cases for any new build capital infrastructure projects and to pause all capital projects not contractually committed or under construction.
“A further change to the national infrastructure planning and capital governance arrangements has been issued by the Scottish Government.
“This now requires each NHS Board to identify three strategic priorities for infrastructure investment and to submit, by March 2027, a strategic assessment document for each priority.
“These assessments will then be reviewed by the Scottish Government’s Capital Investment Group who will decide which projects will be allowed to progress to a business case stage.”
