Plans for the new Lochaber Hospital in Fort William have moved forward after the Scottish Government approved the project's Outline Business Case.
The approval allows NHS Highland to begin work on the Full Business Case, the final and most detailed stage of planning for the new hospital, which will replace Belford Hospital. In reaching its decision, the Scottish Government recognised the clear case for a replacement hospital and the importance of modern, sustainable healthcare facilities for the people of Lochaber.
Over the coming months, NHS Highland will continue to develop how services will be delivered in the new hospital and how they will connect with community care, rehabilitation, digital services and wider health and social care across the region.
David Park, Deputy Chief Executive at NHS Highland said: "This is a significant step forward for the project and for the people of Lochaber. The approval reflects a great deal of work by our teams, our partners and the local community, and close engagement with Scottish Government officials over recent months. We will now focus on developing the Full Business Case and will continue to keep the community updated as plans progress."
Louise Bussell, Nurse Director at NHS Highland, said: "A new hospital will give our staff a modern environment in which to care for patients, and give the people of Lochaber services that are sustainable for the future. As we develop the detailed plans, our focus will remain on care that is centred on patients and well connected to the support available in their own communities. I would like to thank colleagues in Lochaber for their continued commitment while this work goes on."
A public version of the Outline Business Case will be made available on the NHS Highland website in the coming weeks.