Plans for new £137m Lochaber Hospital progress after government recognises need for new facility

Proposals for a brand-new facility to replace the ageing Belford Hospital in Fort William have taken a step forward.

The new Lochaber Hospital will be located on the Blar Mhor site just north of the town and is estimated to cost £137m.

NHS Highland submitted its business case to the Scottish Government, which has now been approved, allowing the project to move to the next stage.

According to the health board, the Scottish Government recognised the clear case for a replacement hospital and the importance of modern, sustainable healthcare facilities for the people of Lochaber.

Now, health bosses will spend the next few months finalising details of which services will be delivered from the new hospital.

Lochaber Hospital will add to NHS Highland’s roster of modern facilities, including the National Treatment Centre in Inverness and Broadford Hospital on Skye.

News that the project is progressing will be welcomed by locals, after plans to replace the 60-year-old Belford Hospital were paused two years ago.

David Park, deputy chief executive at NHS Highland, said: “This is a significant step forward for the project and for the people of Lochaber.

“The approval reflects a great deal of work by our teams, our partners and the local community, and close engagement with Scottish Government officials over recent months.

“We will now focus on developing the Full Business Case and will continue to keep the community updated as plans progress.”

Louise Bussell, nurse director at NHS Highland, added: “A new hospital will give our staff a modern environment in which to care for patients, and give the people of Lochaber services that are sustainable for the future.

“As we develop the detailed plans, our focus will remain on care that is centred on patients and well connected to the support available in their own communities.

“I would like to thank colleagues in Lochaber for their continued commitment while this work goes on.”