Funding boost for Caithness General for birthing unit and A&E
ÂŁ800,000 of ScotGov money will help the two areas for development
Investment coming the way of Caithness General will allow the extension of the A&E Department and also the re-designed Birthing Unit to begin.
NHS Highland has received ÂŁ800,000 from the Scottish Government to enable the first stages of the agreed Development Plan.
The Health Board will provide a stand-alone, purpose built community midwifery unit at Caithness General.
NHS Highland’s Chair Professor Boyd Robertson said: “The Accident and Emergency Department has required more space for a number of years and the establishment of a state-of-the-art Birthing Unit will support the health and well-being of mothers and babies in their local area”
NHS Highland’s Rural General Hospital Manager Pam Garbe said: “I am delighted Caithness General Hospital has received this funding which will start the redesign of acute services. The funding will improve services and facilities for the people of Caithness and North Sutherland to meet new pressures and changing demands in health care.
“This is a boost for staff who work incredibly hard to deliver a high standard of care. The redesign will start shortly with the development of a new Out Patient Clinic Department which will include bespoke ophthalmology clinic rooms before progressing with the extension of A&E and the Community Midwifery Unit.”
The SNP’s Gail Ross, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross welcomed the news and said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Scottish Government have made this investment into Caithness General, which will allow the extended Accident and Emergency Department and the redesigned Birthing Unit to begin.”
“(It's) testament to the dedication and hard work that has gone in from across the community and the medical profession into the redesign process and is a real step forward in improving the service and delivery of NHS services in Caithness.”
Full plans will be made available in the main area of the hospital for patients, relatives and members of the public to view.