Work on a new, world-class ophthalmology and orthopaedic health facility in Inverness, Scotland is set to begin shortly following the awarding of a £32m contract for its construction.
With a contractor announced mid-2020, the signing off of this latest significant contract represents the next stage in progressing from the early works, which began in summer 2020 to clear and prepare the site, into construction of the new facility.
Once completed, the 8,305 sq ft National Treatment Centre will include 24 inpatient rooms, five operating theatres, clinics and outpatient departments. There will also be minor operation and procedure rooms, consulting rooms, office support rooms and an assortment of other general amenities.
NHS Highland aims for the new facility to provide elective orthopaedic surgery and full ophthalmology services to the surrounding communities, significantly reducing waiting times for patients across the Highlands.
Efforts will also be made to ensure both the construction process and completed building are sustainable, as well as an intention for those involved in the construction to collaborate with NHS Highland to provide work experience placements and employment opportunities for local college and university students.
Deborah Jones, Director of Strategic Commissioning, Planning and Performance for NHS Highland, said: “NHS Highland are delighted to be developing this critical new facility which will deliver critical elective treatment for people in the Highlands and surrounding areas.”
Completion of the new facility is scheduled for 2022.
At peak construction, the project will employ a workforce of 300, as well as several work experience placements.
