The series of construction issues that have caused delays in opening a new £5.5million healthcare centre in Forres finally appear to have been resolved.
NHS Grampian say that “costly design complications” were behind the delays but the health authority added that these have now been overcome and the centre is set to open on September 8.
The health centre was expected to open in April but was hit by a series of delays, with a spokeswoman for NHS Grampian saying: “Unforeseen construction issues beyond the control of NHS Grampian led to delays in opening the Forres Health and Care Centre.
[box] “We appreciate the delays around this project have been frustrating for practice staff and patients….”[/box] “However, the building is now in the commissioning phase, a process that includes deep cleaning, the installation of equipment and staff training. It will be open to see its first patients on September 8.
“We appreciate the delays around this project have been frustrating for practice staff and patients and we share that frustration.
“However, we are confident that we will deliver a state-of-the-art facility that people in Forres will be proud of.”
The centre has been built through a public/private partnership with Hub North Scotland Ltd (Hubco) – the same company that is leading the £18million Elgin High School replacement project.
Officials from the firm had to apologise to Moray Council in December for delays in that development.
The new health centre will be the base for two GP practices alongside community nursing and midwifery services, community care, outpatient services, radiology and ambulatory services as well as a range of therapy and rehabilitation services.