Ahead of this, representatives from the project team, the construction companies and a number of local community representative’s attended an advance tour of the new healthcare facility to mark the completion of the building.

More than 100 local people also had the opportunity to get a first glimpse of their new health centre during a series of tours organised as part of a community open day. Feedback from the event was very positive with many people welcoming the design, additional space and modern, bright facilities.

Alex Linkston, chairman, NHS Forth Valley, said: “This is a fantastic new facility and I’d like to pay tribute to Hadden Group, the project team and hub East Central Scotland who have worked together to ensure the new health centre was completed on time and on budget.

“It will provide improved accommodation and facilities for patients and staff and make it easier for people to access a wide range of care and support in their local community.”

Gary Bushnell, chief executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “Our team worked closely with NHS Forth Valley to manage the project from initial concept to successful completion, delivering a modern health facility designed specifically to meet the needs of the community it serves.”

Scott Hadden, chairman, Hadden Group, added: “Our team were proud to have been chosen to deliver this much needed new healthcare facility for Doune with Hub East Central Scotland. Working closely with NHS Forth Valley and our design team we’re delighted to successfully deliver what I’m sure will be a great asset for the local community.”

The new Doune Health Centre replaces a smaller healthcare centre and provides a larger, purpose-built healthcare facility to meet the needs of the village’s growing population. It will deliver a wide range of healthcare services and provide support to people with long term health conditions such as diabetes, dementia and COPD (a common respiratory disease). 

In addition, there will be more opportunities to help patients improve their own health by providing extra support and advice on diet, exercise, managing medicines and giving up smoking.

Also included are improved facilities for the existing GP Practice as well as accommodation for a range of visiting outpatient and services such as antenatal and child health clinics. Around £200,000 has being invested in new equipment, furniture and fittings.