Funding boost for delayed revamp of Ross health centre

A PROJECT to revamp a Ross-shire health centre - which was abandoned half-way through due to a cash crisis - has now taken a major step forward.

The work to complete the refurbishment and expansion of Dingwall Health Centre was thrown into doubt two years when it became clear that money was not available to finish the work.

Plans for a major remodelling of the ground floor at the Ferry Road surgery and a fitting out of rooms in the roof space were put on hold due to a financial shortfall.

However, NHS Highland confirmed today (Friday) that a standard business case for phase three of the project has now been accepted by the Scottish Government Capital Investment Group, effectively meaning that the £1.5 million sought has been allocated.

The latest funding approval will allow for significant alterations to the ground floor to provide more appropriate patient consulting and treatment facilities, together with a reception and administrative accommodation as well as the fitting out the roof space with community accommodation, and staff and patient treatment facilities.

Phases one and two of the centre’s redevelopment have already seen the provision of a new pitched roof to create additional space for offices on the first floor, the creation and fitting out of the first floor and the erection of a staircase.

The latest stage of the work will allow the health centre to develop and extend its services, and allow for any future expansion.

Planning permission and a building warrant have already been obtained for all three phases of the redevelopment.

Michael Waters, NHS Highland capital support and project manager, said: "We are delighted that our business case, which was approved by the NHS Highland board in December, has now been given Scottish Government approval. Work will soon go out to tender, and we can look forward to the completion of an ongoing project which will result in significantly improved facilities, offering more space and greater flexibility."

With 11,600 patients, the Dingwall Medical Group, which is based in the centre, has 10 doctors, four practice nurses, a healthcare technician, two managers and 15 administrative staff, as well a community staff team with, among others, school nurses, midwives, health visitors and community nurses.

The Scottish Government Capital Investment Group has also approved the standard business case for the £1.5 million replacement Drumnadrochit Health Centre.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said: "Having the right facilities, in the right place is important to people across Scotland and that is why we are determined to ensure both staff and patients the length and breadth of the country can work and be treated in the best possible surroundings.

"The Dingwall Health Centre and Drumnadrochit Health Centre are both prime examples of how continued investment in our NHS is benefiting patients, by providing them with quality care as close to home as possible.

"Investment in health is a top priority for the Scottish Government and we have committed to spending over £2 billion on improving NHS infrastructure over four years."