Dumfries and Galloway MP Richard Arkless visited the construction site of the new Dumfries hospital last week.
Work began on the multi-million pound complex in March 2015 and when completed, the new hospital will house 350 beds, a heli-pad and 980 parking spaces.
Mr Arkless was able to meet with the construction team and assess the progress being made on the state-of-the-art facility which is due to open at the beginning of 2018.
Commenting on his visit, Mr Arkless said:
“You can’t have first class healthcare without first class buildings which are fit for purpose, and for this you need good contractors, suppliers, project management and apprentices.
“It was great to meet the team involved in this project – they are doing a fantastic job and I am very much looking forward to visiting the hospital again when it is closer to completion.”
The project is being managed by High Wood Health, who are adopting a non-profit-distributing procurement route. Returns to the private sector are capped, and no dividends are payable to shareholders. Any surpluses are returned to the public sector. High Wood Health also signed a community benefit clause promising to deliver 150 local jobs – 36 of which will be apprenticeships.
Mr Arkless continued:
“At such an early stage I am delighted to see the project already benefiting the local community through increased employment and high quality apprenticeships for local young people.”
“This new hospital will be a huge asset to Dumfries and Galloway. The palliative care rooms with their floor to ceiling windows and garden views were particularly impressive. I am sure that having more pleasant surroundings will have a very positive impact on patients, their families and all the staff involved in end of life care.”
“I am very much looking forward to seeing the hospital up and running and welcoming patients in early 2018.”
