New Craigs Hospital has officially been handed over to NHS Highland.
The hospital in Inverness completed its 25-year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract with Robertson Capital Projects, Robertson Facilities Management and Dalmore Investments.
Opened in 2000, New Craigs Hospital was purpose-built to provide inpatient care for people experiencing mental illness and learning disabilities in the Highland area.
Over the past 25 years, the site has evolved to become a hub for a wide range of mental health and community-based services, including urgent assessment, dementia care, drug and alcohol recovery, and support for individuals with learning disabilities.
In recent years, several physical health services have also transferred to the site, further broadening its role in integrated care.
In partnership with local Housing Associations, some of the original hospital buildings have been thoughtfully redeveloped into residential housing for people with a learning disability, reflecting a commitment to community inclusion and support in your own.
Fiona Davies, NHS Highland Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased to confirm that New Craigs Hospital has formally been handed over to NHS Highland following the completion of the PFI contract with Robertson FM.
“We are grateful to Robertson Facilities Management for their management of the facilities within the hospital. The building is in excellent condition.
“We will now be responsible for the operation of the facility in addition to the vital services provided within the hospital campus. It is important to underline there will no impact or change to service delivery in the hospital campus.
“We are grateful to Robertson FM for their support during the handover process and we look forward to welcoming all the facilities staff to NHS Highland. Our HR colleagues have been working closely with the staff to complete the staff transfer process.
“This handover is a great example of joint working between the public and private sector to deliver health services to communities across Highland.”
Elliot Robertson, Robertson Group Chief Executive, commented: “The smooth handover at New Craigs demonstrates the enduring value of the private finance, under the former PFI model, when it is underpinned by partnership, long-term planning, and a commitment to quality.
“Over the past 25 years, our focus on professional maintenance and responsive service delivery has ensured that NHS Highland received a facility in excellent condition, with its operational life extended - enabling the hospital to continue delivering vital services to the community. This project also went beyond traditional services associated with private finance models. Our bid supported additional value for NHS Highland through maximising existing surplus land at the site to create a significant private residential destination.
“The success of this partnership highlights how private finance can be a catalyst for sustained public service excellence when all parties are aligned around shared goals. The transfer of our dedicated employees to NHS Highland as part of this process is a testament to the collaborative spirit that has defined this project.”
Alastair Nicol from public sector infrastructure body The Scottish Futures Trust said: “The Public Private Partnerships (PPP) specialists at the Scottish Futures Trust and NHS Assure have provided support to NHS Highland in its preparations for the handback of New Craigs Hospital to the Health Board.
“Our work commenced in 2019, where our involvement forms part of our strategic programme approach to supporting Scottish public bodies on their expiring PPP contracts.
“Early engagement, strong collaboration with private partners as well as robust planning for future service delivery, has positioned NHS Highland well for a seamless transition.”