First Minister Alex Salmond reinforced the Scottish Government's commitment to delivering first-class modern health services at a topping out ceremony marking the completion of structural works on the £300m Forth Valley Acute Hospital today.

Development of the 860-bed hospital is on time and on budget and it will welcome its first patients in Summer 2010.

It is the largest construction project currently underway in Scotland. NHS Forth Valley has placed a strong emphasis on local procurement during its development with £40m (60%) of sub contracts being placed within a 30-mile radius of the site.

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On site, over 40 apprenticeships have been created and more than 80% of staff have been employed from within 30 miles of the project. When open, the hospital will employ 3,500 healthcare staff.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "This impressive project will deliver a new, state of the art hospital for the people of Forth Valley, designed to provide modern, high quality health care with 860 beds, 16 operating theatres and the very latest technology.

"Not only does this new building promise vast benefits for patients and NHS staff, it has also been a welcome boost to Scotland's economy."

The FM said this is the largest construction project in Scotland and it has delivered "real benefits" in terms of jobs and investment in the central belt.

"This ceremony marks an important step forward for this flagship hospital and the Scottish Government's continuing commitment to deliver a modern, high quality health service for people throughout Scotland," Mr Salmond concluded.

(GK/JM)