Two multi-million pound health centres have been given the green light thanks to funding from the Scottish Government.

Deputy first minister John Swinney announced that Clydebank Health Centre and Greenock Health and Care Centre will be funded as part of the Scottish Government’s £409 million investment in the non-profit distributing (NPD) programme.

The announcement sees Mr Swinney double the £19m for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde secured from the £409m extension to the Non Profit Distributing (NPD) programme announced in November.

Speaking at the NHS Scotland Event yesterday, Mr Swinney said: “I am delighted to announce that we are able to invest in new health centres in both Greenock and Clydebank which have an estimated capital value of £38m.

“Both health centres will improve vital primary care services in these areas, giving the people of Clydebank and Greenock access to the most up-to-date, high quality healthcare facilities in their area. This is particularly important as we move towards the integration of health and social care, with local authority and NHS partners working together to deliver more care in the community.

“In addition to this, these projects will provide economic regeneration in both areas and by combining these two projects, we estimate that we are able to save over £4 million in capital and revenue costs.

“Strong public services are the bedrock of a fair and prosperous society. The NHS in Scotland exemplifies this. That is why we have protected the NHS budget. The total NHS budget is now above £12 billion for the first time ever.”

Mr Swinney announced plans in November last year to invest over £400m in new hospitals and health centres as part of the £1bn extension to the Non Profit Distributing (NPD) programme.

Welcoming the news, West Dunbartonshire Council leader Martin Rooney, a board member of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “This is just the news we were hoping for, and I’m delighted that thousands of Clydebank residents will now get the new health centre they deserve.

“As well as the health benefits this investment will also contribute significantly to regeneration of Queens Quay. We’ve already seen 280 council employees move into Aurora House, construction is now underway on the £22m leisure centre, we have committed to building a 84-bed care home and now have a new health centre to compliment it.

“We’re going to undertake major infrastructure improvements, and there is good interest from investors to create housing and retail opportunities on the site. It is an exciting time for Clydebank and West Dunbartonshire.”