Hospital plans well on their way

Jun 28 2011 by Iain Howie, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

Hospital plans well on their way

A MAJOR step towards creating modern facilities in Perth for people with mental health needs has been taken.

Work on the Murray Royal Hospital site reached the topping-out stage, which marks the end of structural works.

The multi-million project is expected to open to patients this time next year.

Developers Morgan Sindall were joined by members of NHS Tayside and other boards from around Scotland, as well as Provost John Hulbert for the ceremony.

NHS Tayside chairman Sandy Watson told them: “It is wonderful to see these fantastic new facilities taking shape.

“This project, which has had so much input from so many people with a real involvement in the two hospitals, underlines NHS Tayside’s commitment to the care of patients with mental health problems.

“I am also delighted that, in partnership with Grampian, Highland, Orkney and Shetland NHS boards, we will be for the first time providing beds for patients from the north of Scotland region who require care in a medium-secure setting.”

Morgan Sindall’s regional managing director Harry Thorburn said: “Reaching this milestone at the Murray Royal Hospital site has been particularly smooth.”

The buildings at Murray Royal are expected to be completed by May 2012. Patients will transfer from existing wards over the following two months, with the first ward in the medium-secure unit opening a month later.

The whole project should be complete by April 2013.