AN East End hospital saved from closure after a community campaign is in the running to become a new £2m health and social care hub.

Glasgow City Council approved an “initial agreement” for the Scottish Government project, which is earmarked for several potential sites including Lightburn Hospital, in Carntyne.

The former Parkhead Hospital and Health Centre is also on the shortlist.

If the project progresses as planned, construction could begin by April 2021.

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The project was discussed at the City Administration Committee yesterday, where it was described as having the “great potential” to improvement to services in north east Glasgow.

A report by Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership says the facility will play a role in helping the population “live longer, healthier and more independent lives”.

It highlights how deindustrialisation and slum clearance policies of the 20th century caused the north east to suffer “catastrophic economic and social decline”.

Glasgow HSCP wants to increase access to healthcare across the north east of Glasgow as a result of the new hub.

The report boasts the new facility will have strong public transport links, taking into consideration disabled people.

It aims to be a comfortable working environment and assist the overall regeneration of the north east of Glasgow.

While plans have not been drawn up, the report says the new hub will feature a modern design, and gave examples using other recent health constructions, such as the interior of the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

It could be through a form of pivate-public partnership or from government coffers.

Councillor Matthew Kerr said: “I welcome this paper, there are similar facilities that have been a success around the city. I’m glad it’s here, it’s fantastic news indeed.”

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Councillor Frank McAveety said: “Anything that can be located in the community would be a good. There are huge concerns in the north east about the direction of travel and access to hospital sites.”

As reported in the Evening Times, Lightburn Hospital was saved from closure in January this year following a community campaign.

It was the second time the Scottish Government had rejected health board plans to shut the hospital after it was kept open in 2011.