Courtesy of the Barrhead News 

By Ewan McInnes

How the new health centre will look when finished

A 'MUCH needed' rape crisis centre is being considered by medical chiefs.

Barrhead Community Council recently raised the prospect of this service being included in the new Barrhead Health Centre, due to open next year, with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

And while the NHS GCC are consulting with local stake holders on the range of facilities it will include in the health centre they have confirmed that they are considering where a rape crisis centre would be best located.

Rachel Rees-Jones, manager of East Renfrewshire Women's Aid, has welcomed moves to bring such a facility to the area.

She said: "From our point of view in terms of having a rape crisis centre in the area, it would certainly be a good addition to East Renfrewshire.

"In terms of location I wouldn't like to say but just having the service would be a real bonus.

"There has never been a rape crisis service in East Renfrewshire.

"There is a very good service in Glasgow and it would be good to see that expand here."

Tommy Reilly, chair of Barrhead Community Council, reckons a rape crisis centre should definitely be included in the new health centre.

He said: "We are very much in support of a rape crisis centre being included in the new health centre in Barrhead.

"If it is a fully modern facility it has got to encompass all services and rape is truly traumatic for the people who are victims of it.

"We think greater consideration should be given to have it in the new health centre.

"I am not sure where else they could have it but it is definitely something that is much needed.

"People shouldn't have to go on long jaunts to Glasgow to access these kind of services.

"It can have an impact on mental as well as physical health and Barrhead Health Centre would be the preferred location for this facility.

"We understand that because of finances this might not be possible but we would hope everything possible is done to make it happen.

"We are looking forward to the new health centre opening and we hope it caters for all the needs of the people in Barrhead."