HEALTH Minister Andy Kerr has approved plans for a new health centre for patients who live in Renfrewshire.

The Renfrew Health and Social Work Centre will unite the two services, following the official linking of responsibilities between health boards and local authorities to provide care for the sick and vulnerable in the community.

Visiting the town, Mr Kerr said: "I am delighted we have taken an important step forward in establishing the new centre.

"It will be able to provide faster, more convenient and more comprehensive services in modern facilities.

"This will prove of enormous health benefit to the local community."

The new centre will offer minor surgery, physiotherapy and podiatry services directly, while acting as a base for health visitors, district nurses and social work teams.

It will also provide accommodation for patient and carer support groups, community groups and voluntary organisations.

The centre is expected to be built on a site between Renfrew and Braehead shopping centre.

David Leese, of Renfrewshire Community Health Partnership said: "We can now develop detailed plans for a larger, purpose-built centre that will enable us to provide a wider range of services in a modern and attractive environment."

Building should start later this year.