Replacing crumbling hospital

Progress in replacing crumbling hospital 26/6/14

Plans to replace of St Brendan’s hospital in Barra have taken an important step forward.

The crumbling St Brendan’s hospital - previously described as “completely unacceptable” for modern standards by health board bosses - is to be knocked down and a new facility built on an adjacent site.

Western Isles Council operates the adjoining care home which is to be replaced with a 24/7 housing with care service.

The joint project is valued around £10 million - £8.2 million to be paid by NHS Western Isles with £2.42 million coming from the Comhairle.

The Scottish Government is being asked to approve an outline business case to take it to the next stage.

Chief Executive of NHS Western Isles, Gordon Jamieson, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have reached this very important stage in the project.

“The outline business case (OBC) contains detailed information about what the new facilities could look like in the future.

“Providing new and modern healthcare facilities in Barra is one of the key priorities for the health board and the approval of the OBC brings us a significant step closer to achieving this goal.”

Western Isles Council chief executive, Malcolm Burr, said: “The council is pleased to be involved in this innovative partnership approach to developing 21st century health and social care facilities for the people of Barra.

“The Health and Social Care Hub will facilitate flexible, personalised care in a homely environment.”