Mr Yousaf joined NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s chairman Prof John Brown, members of Inverclyde’s HSCP and Inverclyde Council for a tour of the £21 million facility on October 20.

The Greenock Health and Care Centre, which has been operational since May this year, was created through a partnership between Inverclyde HSCP, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), Inverclyde Council, hub West Scotland and the local community. 

The Hoskins Architects-designed facility was built by BAM Construction.

As well as modernising the existing facilities, the new site looks to make services more integrated, accessible and efficient for patients and service users, while contributing to the wider goals of community regeneration and addressing health inequalities.

Mr Yousaf said: “Greenock Health and Care Centre is a shining example of how investing in multi-disciplinary teams can increase capacity in primary care, allowing patients to be seen at the right time by the right person, and also help reduce GP workloads. 

“As well as modernising the existing facilities, this new site will make an invaluable contribution to our wider goals of community regeneration and addressing health inequalities, which have been exacerbated by COVID-19.

“This is why the Scottish Government has committed to primary care and GP services receiving a 25% increase of NHS frontline investment over this parliament.”

As well as the continued services of general practices, pharmacy, primary care and HSCP services, the opening of the new health and care centre has further enhanced the care offered to the community through the introduction of new services including specialist children’s services, speech and language therapy and care at home service.

Inverclyde HSCP has worked closely with the local community and other partners to ensure the community is at the heart of the new facility and that it is accessible for all. Strong links to the local area can be felt throughout the Greenock Health and Care Centre, with art works created by members of the community on display.

NHSGGC chief executive Jane Grant said: “This project represents a significant investment in the area, totalling around £21m. The new facility will be integral to delivering the new GP contract by allowing the development of multidisciplinary teams through co-location and collaborative working.

“Undoubtedly this purpose built, bright, modern and fully accessible building provides an opportunity to reshape and increase services from a patient and service user perspective and provide care that is more integrated, accessible and efficient to our local communities in Greenock and Inverclyde. We’re already seeing the positive impact this new site is having on the community here, as well as on our dedicated staff.”

Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s health and social care convener, said: “This is a fantastic facility for Greenock and wider Inverclyde and is already proving hugely beneficial for staff and service users alike.

“It’s a bright, modern building with everything you would expect for a 21st Century health centre.

“The new Greenock Health Centre is also a great example of positive partnership working between the council, HSCP, Health Board and partners to deliver this first-class facility for Inverclyde.”