Recommendations to house a new Inclusive Homelessness Service on the site of the former Panmure St Ann’s school in the Cowgate have been approved by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).
The new operational base will allow the co-location of NHS Lothian, City of Edinburgh Council and third sector agencies, allowing them to work more closely together to provide a range of health and care services to the homeless population of Edinburgh.
The move will help around 1,000 services users from both the Edinburgh Access Practice and Access Point, bringing together services currently based at Spittal Street Clinic and Access Point in Leith.
The Edinburgh Access Practice currently provides GP services to over 600 people whilst the Access Point delivers housing support, social work and criminal justice services.
The new centre will also welcome third sector partners, such as Streetwork and Cyrenians and provide touchdown accommodation. These organisations perform a vital role in supporting Edinburgh’s homeless population and often act as a bridge between the service users and the public-sector agencies.
The business case for the Panmure project, approved by the EIJB, outlines a completion date of 2020 and plans for four consulting/treatment rooms and eight interview rooms as well as occupational therapy assessment space and staff workstations.
Ricky Henderson, Chair Edinburgh Integration Joint Board, said: “The EIJB is delighted to endorse the use of the former Panmure St Ann’s School as the new operational base for the Inclusive Homelessness Service. Panmure represents one of the first major capital projects undertaken on behalf of the EIJB.
“The project seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable, disenfranchised and disengaged citizens who often exhibit a range of profound and complex needs and who need high levels of support.
“Whilst the building will require some adaptations, I am confident that it is the best location for service users who will benefit from an established one-stop shop.”
The special school for S3 – S6 children with additional support needs closed last summer despite protests from pupils and parents.
Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative Health spokesman and Lothian MSP, said: “I am very pleased that the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board have approved the use of the former Panmure St Ann’s school for a new Inclusive Homelessness Service.
“The bringing together of services at one location will allow a comprehensive service to be delivered to homeless people who could greatly benefit.”
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