Nicola Sturgeon opens new resource centre in Kilmarnock

Feb 5 2010

SCOTTISH Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon was the special guest last week at the newly-opened Rosebank resource centre in London Road, Kilmarnock.

The Deputy First Minister enjoyed a cuppa with elderly visitors to the centre on Wednesday and was given a tour by council guests.

Rosebank was built to allow older people a better chance of living independently in their own homes. People can drop in for practical advice and guidance which helps build their confidence.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “Rosebank is a great example of the kind of care and support that helps people to remain in their own homes as long as possible. By investing in this kind of day centre, more older people here in Kilmarnock can benefit from greater choice.

"Up to 40 people a day will be able to attend Rosebank, learning new skills and being helped to maintain their independence – which will in turn enable them to remain in their own homes and communities for a long time to come."

Following consultation with older people, East Ayrshire Council agreed to support the shift in the balance of care from care homes and hospital settings to supporting older people at home. A cornerstone of the strategy has been to replace former residential units with modern facilities, allowing the council to support people at home and reduce the length of time older people spend in hospital, maintaining a figure of zero delayed discharges for many months.

Speaking during the visit, Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of the council, said: “We are delighted to say that at the end of 2009 this building was delivered on time, on budget and to a superb quality specification. We have real confidence that the staff, guided by the service users, will make the best of this opportunity and deliver caring and innovative services. Already around many older people are benefiting from the support on offer.

“We clearly recognise the challenges of the present economic climate, but the council has made provision to continue to ensure that East Ayrshire emerges from this downturn stronger and better able to deliver 21st century services to our communities.”