A project milestone has been reached on the £64 million NHS Orkney Hospital and Healthcare Facility development.

Robertson Group has achieved the 'topping out' stage on the project and completion is on schedule for 2019.

Once finished, the two-storey hospital will contain a range of emergency, outpatient, day case and inpatient services supported by high dependency, diagnostic and theatre facilities. In addition, Skerryvore and Heilendi GP practices, along with NHS Orkney’s dental practice, will be relocated to the new facility which will help to cut down on costs spent on maintaining buildings.

Other features inside the 16,248 sq m building will include videoconferencing facilities, as well as accommodation for the Scottish Ambulance Service and a base for NHS 24.

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Internal and external spaces will be developed for patients, visitors and staff, as well as a multi-functional conference rooms, a restaurant, seating areas, shop, therapy garden and a children’s play area. There will also be 320 car parking spaces on the site, including 10 electric car charging points, accessible parking and cycle shelters.

NHS Orkney Chief Executive, Cathie Cowan and members of the NHS Orkney Board, formally marked the 'topping out' stage with representatives from Robertson Group last week.

Ms Cowan said: "This is a proud moment for NHS Orkney and marks a vital step towards ensuring we can continue to provide high quality care in Orkney for generations to come. We are absolutely delighted that this stage of the project has been reached, with our fantastic new facility a step closer to reality."

Bill Robertson, founder and executive chairman of Robertson Group, added: "Tremendous progress has been made on the new hospital and healthcare facility since work started earlier this year. The topping out ceremony represents a major milestone and brings us one step closer to completing the facility in 2019."

(LM)