A proposal for a major new school and hospital development for Barra and Vatersay has taken a step forward.
Its been agreed to conduct a £100,000 feasibility study to explore having a single hub hosting a range of health and education services.
Under the proposal -
Third Sector and community service providers and potentially a pharmacy and café may also be based on the site.
Services could be integrated so the building is a resource providing education, training, catering, therapeutic and other services to all users.
Such a central hub would encourage public services to decentralise elements of their service provision to Barra.
Slashed construction costs by building a combined facility may be the only way to install a desperately needed new hospital upgrade plus a modern school.
In addition, a single facility will reduce running costs.
Castlebay Community School is the only school building in the Western Isles in poor condition with major challenges in providing an education fit for the 21st century. Eoligarry School would close under the proposal and pupils transferred to the new campus.
Some £7 million has been set aside by the comhairle but new-
A new St Brendan’s Hospital could cost a similar amount. A replacement for the hospital and adjoining care home is way overdue. The existing facility has been described as “completely unacceptable” for modern standards by health board bosses.
Results from the feasibility study will determine whether to proceed with an integrated facility or two separate projects.
Health board chief executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “Further engagement with stakeholders and the wider community of Barra and Vatersay is essential to ensure we have the fullest picture possible of the views of the community and a clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the options.
He explained: “Both organisations are keen to explore the feasibility of integrating health, social care, learning and community services and facilities on Barra and Vatersay and the provision of a single combined campus in Castlebay.”
“We shall shortly begin a study which examines the feasibility of such an approach and, in addition to assessing the technical feasibility of such a development, we also need to examine issues around how such a delivery model can be established in the context of governance and approvals processes.
“The ability of the relevant central and local public sector bodies such as the relevant Scottish Government departments, NHS Eileanan Siar and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to collaborate in a true, efficient and effective partnership will be key to the success of any integrated model and campus.”
Malcolm Burr, the comhairle’s chief executive, said: “We are planning to develop
these proposals with a “whole-
He added: “An integration model could not only provide financial benefits arising from a more efficient coordination and delivery of public services for Barra and Vatersay and of the design, procurement and construction of an integrated facility, we are confident it will contribute to increased possibilities for community empowerment, local area governance and the decentralisation of public sector functions to Barra and Vatersay.”
Step forward for multi-
6 June 2019
St Brendans requires urgent replacement
Castlebay School