Plans revealed for head injury unit

Mar 15 2013 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

More than 40 people attended North Ayrshire Council’s open event to hear about ambitious plans for a new £1.4 million head injury unit.

The Dirrans Centre in Kilwinning is currently the home of the Dirrans’ Head Injury Unit offering support to individuals who have sustained a brain injury.

Plans for the new Dirrans Centre include a gym, training kitchen, multi-purpose rooms for activities and group work and a garden.

As part of North Ayrshire Council’s Independent Living Service, the new Dirrans development will provide a wide range of reablement and rehabilitation services.

Centre manager Nanette Masterton described the proposals for the expanded service and new building to the busy meeting.

She said: “People were very interested in the proposals for the service and new building.

“Staff were on hand to tell people about the development of the service and the architects gave a presentation on the design proposals.”

North Ayrshire Council Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Anthea Dickson, said: “The proposals will provide better facilities and lead to better outcomes for those who use the service.”

Plans are expected to be submitted for planning approval in the near future.

The new centre will be built on land adjacent to the current site and is planned to open in 2014.

This drawing shows how the new £1.4 million centre will look.