Project underway to deliver enhanced health services in Moray

A project team has been brought together to support the construction of an MRI facility and full refurbishment of the mental health ward at Dr Gray’s Hospital.

A project board was set up to progress work at a senior level on these interlinked plans at the end of last year and the project team met for the first time in January.

A working group bringing together colleagues from Royal Cornhill Hospital and Moray’s mental health services is also making progress, with a workshop planned for early February. This will look in detail at how best to maintain safe mental health service provision during the building works.

An initial site visit with architects and project team members took place recently at Dr Gray’s. A report will be presented to Grampian NHS Board in the coming months and the aim is for it to be possible for work on the MRI construction to begin in May this year. 

Simon Bokor-Ingram, who leads the Moray portfolio for NHS Grampian and is Chief Officer for Health and Social Care Moray, explained: “These projects will be a huge asset to the community, and we are looking forward to working with a range of partners to deliver the very best facilities we can on the Dr Gray’s site. The MRI construction will be made possible through National Treatment Centre funding while the mental health ward work represents a capital investment by NHS Grampian. This joint project is just one example of ongoing investment and improvement works to ensure Moray health services are fit for the future.” 

The MRI facility is a highly anticipated development; not only for radiology staff but also for patients waiting for treatment across Scotland.

Simon added: “We are making every possible effort to progress these works at speed. It is also essential we take the time to ensure those accessing mental health services continue to receive safe and clinically appropriate services during the construction period. The work in progress to ensure we maintain safe mental health service provision is extensive and demands the input and expertise of ward staff, senior clinicians and primary care professionals, as well as being appropriately informed by those with lived experience of accessing services and services we work in partnership with.”

As part of the work of the project team, a design and communications team will involve staff, partners and members of the community in looking at how to make the most of the refurbishment of the mental health ward. 

Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen has been through a programme of ligature reduction and refurbishment works during the last few years which has led to the facility being recognised as an example of best practice across Scotland. Some of the lessons learned and expertise gained through that project will support the work at Dr Gray’s.

For more information about the project or to highlight an interest in participating in future engagement opportunities, email gram.dghMRIw4@nhs.scot