| Health minister Andy Kerr was in Angus today to view Forfar’s new multi-million pound community facility — and give a pat on the back to rural schoolchildren for their healthy appetite.
The recently opened Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre was first stop on Mr Kerr’s itinerary, where he met staff and toured the impressive development, which houses a range of facilities including the Strathmore Hospice provided by local charity Lippen Care.
North Tayside MSP John Swinney joined the minister at Whitehills and said the new premises were a credit to the area.
“As most locals will already know, Whitehills is a joint venture between NHS Tayside, Angus Council and the voluntary sector, bringing together all services which were previously provided at Forfar Infirmary, Whitehills Hospital and Ravenswood sites, creating an integrated model of health and social care in a modern, multi-functional, purpose-designed environment,” said Mr Swinney.
“The 60-bed development includes comprehensive outpatient facilities, x-ray facilities, a casualty and minor injuries unit, a range of therapy services, community dentistry, a physical disabilities day centre and conference facilities.
“The centre also accommodates the Strathmore Hospice, local community mental health teams and home care teams.”
He added, “I have already visited the Strathmore Hospice and I was greatly impressed by the facility there and the level of care provided.”
Mr Kerr then moved on to Tannadice Primary School, north of Forfar, where he saw former school cook Lynne Howe re-create the dish which won her the national School Chef of the Year title for 2005.
Lynne’s Aberdeen Angus tortilla and Peter Pan salad, followed by a dessert of Glamis Castle brandy basket cups with raspberry and rhubarb filling, impressed the minister as much as it did the judges in the UK Local Authority Caterers competition, and Mr Kerr recognised the school’s healthy eating efforts with the presentation of an inscribed bowl.
“I am delighted to present this award to Tannadice School — it recognises their superb work to improve the health and wellbeing of children there,” said Mr Kerr.
“Scotland already leads the way in ensuring school meals are healthier, more appetising and offer pupils greater choice.
“If we can encourage a new generation to make healthier choices, to eat five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day, and take regular exercise, we may prevent them from picking up bad habits that would be detrimental to their health.
“Improving children’s diet will have a major impact on improving health across Scotland in the future.”
|
