Hospital patients could move into new “halfway house” accommodation in Elgin within weeks now that a new £120,000 complex has opened.
Jubilee Cottages, on Victoria Road, were flooded in 2002 and crumbled into disrepair after being abandoned.
But two years ago, Moray Council agreed to transform six of the decaying buildings into accommodation for older people after leaving hospital.
The scheme is one of very few of its kind in Scotland and has been hailed as a means of freeing up badly needed NHS beds.
Work on refurbishing the C-listed properties began in October and the revamped cottages were unveiled yesterday.
Project leader Lesley Attridge said work would begin immediately on identifying people who could benefit from being the first tenants.
She said: “We are hoping to welcome patients here in the next couple of weeks, we just need to identify some suitable candidates to get it started.
“We want to get people rehabbed in a more homely environment, rather than a clinical ward.”
Co-chairwoman of the Moray Integration Joint Board, Lorna Cresswell, added: “It’s all very pioneering, we hope to roll this out across Moray.”
During their stay there, patients will be supported by a team of health and social care staff to manage everyday living tasks – such as getting in and out of bed, washing and dressing and preparing meals.
Occupational therapists, physiotherapists and district nurses will help ensure that the cottages’ temporary residents are able to return home as quickly as possible.
One central cottage will be used as a communal space where people can gather for group therapy sessions.
Elgin City North councillor Patsy Gowans, marvelled at the finished venue as she was given a tour yesterday.
She added: “This is a fantastic example of non-institutional aftercare.”
Elgin City South member John Divers said: “I came here just before we approved the plans, and there is such a difference in the buildings now.
“They were a total wreck after being flooded, I’m so pleased we have found this new use for them.”
The cottages were originally built in 1897 to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria and are held in trust by Moray Council.
