BHG May 2020 Update
Following our talks with the proprietor of premises in the town centre we are planning, subject to the lockdown, to open the Jenner Centre by the end of June. The Centre will be in the former Santander building on St. David’s Street
The Centre is named after Eric and Zelda Jenner who were GPs in Brechin from the 1950s to the 1980s and we ultimately plan to accommodate this facility within the wellbeing hub at the Infirmary site as part of the services offered to the community should our application be successful.
Our whole community has been adversely affected by the pandemic, not only families who have been infected but also frontline workers, those who are isolating, those for whom jobs and financial situation is precarious and those who have lost loved ones. And the impact of the pandemic will extend long after the lockdown.
The Centre will be for people of all ages who have been adversely affected by the current situation and for people approaching end of life, their families and carers. The adverse impact on people’s lives of the Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown has dramatically accelerated the need for the Centre, particularly around mental health.
We have contacted a number of groups and organisations, e.g. Penumbra, Citizens Advice Bureau, Angus Women’s Aid, Helen Whamond – art therapist, Parkinson’s UK, asking if they would be able to offer help and support for people affected by the current situation. There has been a very positive response as the need is clearly evident.
Once the Centre is open we, Brechin Healthcare Group, will be responsible for maintaining strict adherence to the physical and social guidelines and restrictions of the Scottish Government. This includes the provision of all necessary personal protective equipment and physical and social distancing information and displays. Anyone who does not follow the rules exactly will be asked to leave the premises immediately.
In connection with our Community Asset Transfer (CAT) request to NHS Tayside to take over the former Infirmary site we have been in touch with the health board indicating we must have an early decision to our request. The future health and wellbeing of our community in the light of the current pandemic makes an early decision vital and necessary so that support services can be offered as soon as possible.
We will keep you up-to-date with progress with the Jenner Centre and our CAT application.
Thank you for your continued support.