Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed assurances from NHS Highland that the refurbishment and expansion of Dingwall Health Centre will be completed within the next year.

Due to cramped conditions, Dingwall Health Centre was subject to plans to upgrade the ground floor, including a new extension, as well as transform the roof space into a first floor. Funding problems brought the work to a stand-still only two years after it began, leaving the centre without a first floor or connecting staircase. The empty roof space, which is to become the first floor, is due to house nurses, midwives, health visitors, physiotherapists, speech therapists and administration space. At a recent meeting with NHS Highland Chair, Garry Coutts, Mr Thompson received assurances that the refurbishment work would be restarted later this year and the first floor and connecting staircase would be completed by this time next year.

Mr Thompson said, “Patients, health care professionals and staff have endured the inconvenience of refurbishment work because they were looking forward to a new health centre which was fit for purpose. It was a great disappointment to us all to hear that funding problems had brought the work to a standstill.

“The good news is that NHS Highland will ensure that the Health Centre is fit for service, with a brand new floor and connecting staircase, within the year. This means that the centre can cater for patients and staff members alike far better than it could either before the refurbishment or during the work.

“I look forward to seeing the centre up and running next year.”