Graham Construction has been selected to deliver a £28 million investment programme at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

Earlier this month, the Scottish Government approved the full business case submitted by NHS Highland.

The three-year Critical Care Upgrade will bring all critical care services, including the Acute Medical Assessment Unit, the Intensive Care Unit, Surgical High Dependency Unit, theatre and the admissions area, into one area over two floors.

Features of the scheme include refurbishing operating theatres at the hospital and adding an additional theatre, bringing the total number up to 10.

Seven of the theatres will be equipped with specialist laminar air flow, ensuring the air within the theatre environment is at the cleanest possible standard.

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A number of improvement works have already been carried out including refurbishing some of the wards and the provision of a new, modern endoscopy unit.

Work is due to start in April this year, with completion scheduled at the end of 2018.

Ron Coggins, clinical director for surgical and anaesthetics division at Raigmore Hospital, said: "This investment will not only greatly improve the facilities but also provides an opportunity to co-locate wards and ensure that first-class healthcare can be delivered in modern facilities for years to come.

"Having critical care services over the two floors will not only allow best use of space and staff but it will also improve patient flow in the hospital and the privacy and dignity of our patients."

Linda Kirkland, director of operations for NHS Highland's Inner Moray Firth Operational Unit, added: "A lot of hard work and long hours have gone into making this idea a reality. This is the biggest investment in the hospital since it was built and will really transform the facility. I'm looking forward to seeing it progress."

(LM)