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Work to improve Moray health services continues as Moray Health and Social Care chief promises 'significant investment'





NHS Grampian says that work is continuing on plans to support the delivery of an MRI facility and full refurbishment of the mental health ward at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin.

Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

Teams from the health board and Health and Social Care Moray are working together on the plans to ensure that detailed preparation is carried out before construction begins.

It has been established through collaboration between relevant parties that the best way to maintain mental health provision is to find an alternative space locally during the building works.

The health board’s property and asset development team is working closely with the mental health clinical team to explore all options available locally.

They have assessed several sites and more detailed work is ongoing before recommendations can be made to the project’s programme board.

Work is also ongoing to make sure the proposed design of the new MRI and mental health spaces will meet national standards.

This includes the mechanical, electrical and infection prevention compliance aspects. Architects, engineers, and project team members have already visited the site to meet with clinical staff.

Simon Bokor-Ingram, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care Moray, said: “There are several interlinked parts to this project, and it is important we take the time to ensure we will deliver the best clinical environments for both patients and staff, both in terms of temporary and longer-term solutions.

"We are looking forward to delivering significant investment in modern healthcare facilities which will make a significant difference to the lives of local people for many years to come.”

Dr Gray’s Hospital General Manager Alasdair Pattinson is chairing the project programme board which has oversight over the work.

He added: “Finding a Moray-based solution for staff and patients while the build is underway is likely to take longer than we had anticipated, as some of the options available to us will require investment to ensure they are suitable for mental health patients. We are working as quickly as we can, with expert eyes on the detail.

“It’s a real pleasure to be working alongside many forward-thinking, dedicated colleagues from across Grampian to make sure Moray health services are fit for the future.”

A design and communications team will involve staff, partners, and members of the community in the design process ahead of construction getting underway.

For more information about the project email gram.dghMRIw4@nhs.scot.


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