THE new £17million Gorbals health and care centre opened its doors to the local community for the first time this week.

Work began in June 2017 on the facility on land bounded by Sandiefield Road, Cumberland Street and Crown Street, Glasgow.

Four general practices are based in the building plus a dental practice and other primary and community care services from the current health centre.

Various specialist children’s services, alcohol and drug recovery provision and children and families social work services will operate there too.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), chairman, John Brown, said: “I’m delighted to see this new centre open its doors to patients. I’m confident this investment will be welcomed by all the patients and service users who will benefit from the new facilities and I’m sure the staff will enjoy working in their new surroundings.”

David Williams, chief officer, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “The opening of this multi-million pound facility is a major boost for the area. Everyone involved has worked hard to deliver this new centre which will greatly enhance the quality of health care and support available to residents and users in the community.”