North-east health bosses have revealed that a new hospital for Elgin could be on the cards.
NHS Grampian says there has been “considerable feedback” suggesting Dr Gray’s is no longer fit for purpose.
As such, there is “clearly” work needed to explore the possibility of opening a second facility in the town.
An update going before tomorrow’s NHS Grampian board meeting says many feel the facilities and infrastructure at Dr Gray’s are “not as required”.
It has surveyed hundreds of staff and patients as part of efforts to develop a future strategy for the hospital.
The health authority says this is needed to support its 100,000 patients across Moray, boost staff recruitment and retention, and “support the regeneration of a vibrant place to work”.
Meeting papers state: “The stakeholder groups have all suggested that the solution is a new hospital to be built and developed on a new site in Elgin.”
Health bosses say it’s not yet clear if this will be the best solution to their problems.
But added that it’s “clear” work should be carried out to look at the current facilities offered by Dr Gray’s, versus what will be needed in the future.
‘Tension’ over possible cost of new Elgin Hospital
Additionally, questions have been raised as to how this potential new hospital for Elgin could be paid for.
The health board is already working on plans for a £130m facility in Aberdeen, due to open at Foresterhill in 2027.
Bosses previously ruled out the likes of Broadford Works and the former John Lewis site as possible locations for the national treatment centre for Grampian (NTC-G).
Tomorrow’s meeting report references a “tension” relating to how much capital funding NHS Grampian will have available over the coming decade.
But it says a “comprehensive” spending plan for the health board will be submitted to the Scottish Government during 2023, including possible work at Dr Gray’s.
‘What’s the point if the resources aren’t there?’
Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed the prospect of a new hospital for Elgin.
But he is urging health and government bosses to ensure the services are appropriately funded.
“While it’s positive that the NHS board is at least considering a new hospital for Elgin, this confirms what many in Moray have felt for a long time,” he added.
“A new hospital is all well and good but patients will be questioning what would be the point if the resources are not there to deliver the highest quality of care for them.”
What happens next?
The Dr Gray’s Plan for the Future will “create a balance between enabling wellbeing and responding to illness.”
Work is underway to determine exactly what its role should be, and which services should be provided locally or in Aberdeen.
The board will discuss this latest update at its meeting tomorrow.
Further information will be presented to its meetings planned for February and April 2023.
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