GOUROCK Health Centre's repair bill now stands at more than £300,000 - sparking sparked calls for a new facility to be built in the town.

Health and social care bosses recently carried out a review of the local estate with a final report due out but Labour election hopeful Martin McCluskey has been told, following a freedom of information request, that they are looking at a refurbishment rather than a replacement.

Mr McCluskey says that decision should not be made without a consultation being held with the people of the town first, so he has launched one of his own.

He said: "Repairs to Gourock Health Centre have mounted up over the years and are now well over a quarter of a million pounds.

"This isn’t acceptable for local residents who rely on services at the centre.

“At the very least, these repairs need to be made to ensure a quality environment for both patients and staff.

"But we also need to ask whether it might be better value for money – when the repair and ongoing maintenance costs are already so high – to consider a new health centre for Gourock.

"We now have a fantastic new health centre in Greenock – why shouldn’t we be pushing for the same for our community?

“The decision about whether to refurbish or replace Gourock Health Centre shouldn’t be made behind closed doors.

"It should be made in full consultation with Gourock residents.

"That’s why I’ve launched a survey to find out whether residents would rather see the existing health centre refurbished or replaced.”

The value of the outstanding repairs was revealed in the FOI response by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

They also disclosed, when asked what discussions had taken place regarding the health centre, that it is likely to be an overall refurbishment instead of a new-build.

Some improvement works have already taken place to refurbish rooms in order to deliver the additional services required by the primary care improvement plan.

The health board has also come under pressure to build a new health centre in Port Glasgow, with both MSP Stuart McMillan and local councillor Robert Moran raising it as a issue.

Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership confirmed that a review of local estates has taken place and bosses say they are awaiting a final report

A spokesman added: “Decisions regarding use and replacement of any properties will be based on this along with consideration of where services will be required in future, for example, due to the impact of future new housing developments.

“Investment in Gourock Health Centre has already taken place in order to maximise space for delivery of GP and primary care services, however, there are more works planned to ensure that the centre remains fit for purpose for future years.

“We will continue to engage with the people of Inverclyde through our established networks and any proposed new health centre sites would be part of this engagement.”

Residents can take part in Mr McCluskey's consultation by visiting tinyurl.com/gourockhc or text or WhatsApp their opinions to 07514373711.