Dr Gray's £3 million redevelopment
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A £3 MILLION project is an important step in securing the future of Moray’s flagship hospital.
Work has started on a 16 month redevelopment at the 185-bed Dr Gray’s Hospital.
Health chiefs at the Elgin hospital insist the investment is a "vote of confidence" in Dr Gray’s by NHS Grampian.
The project, which is due to be completed in April 2013, will see inpatient beds relocated from the oldest part of the hospital to more modern facilities in other wards.
Project Director, Elaine Brown said the move will enhance patient care and help sustain the current level of service provided by the hospital.
"This is a really good step for securing Dr Gray’s for the future," she told ‘The Northern Scot’.
"The original Dr Gray’s building is obviously an Elgin landmark but it was built at a time when hospital standards were very different."
Dr David Williams, Medical Director of Dr Gray’s, added: "The quality of the environment for the patients will be much improved."
Health chiefs had initially unveiled a £15 million blueprint for a redevelopment of the Dr Gray’s site over two years ago, which would have incorporated new build facilities.
However, Mrs Brown admitted the revised proposal was due to the current economic climate and had forced them to make better use of the existing facilities.
Due to be completed in April 2013, the £3 million project will see inpatient beds currently located in ward 10 (surgical) and ward 9 (medical assessment and rehabilitation) in the original Dr Gray’s building, relocated to other wards in the hospital.
The old block will continue to be used for clinical day services such as minor surgery, urology, dermatology and chemotherapy, as well as staff changing and office accommodation.
The contractor team, led by Morrison Construction, has extensive experience of this kind of project and NHS Grampian will work closely with them to minimise any disruption and provide additional signage during the work.
Read the full story in 'The Northern Scot'.
