Dr Gray’s Hospital £1.5 million ward refurbishment works completed
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PATIENTS have been moved back into a ward at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin following a £1.5 million refurbishment project.
The main ward 7 for general medical ward and acute care of the elderly has seen a major upgrade of facilities for staff and patients.
Alasdair Pattinson, general manager for the hospital, said: “Ward 7 is celebrating its 40th year of operation this year and we’re delighted that it is now able to boast a host of plush new features.
“The work saw the 25-bed area gutted and completely refurbished from the ground up into a fresh, light, airy and welcoming space for patients and their visitors.”
The changes include new patient, relative and staff recreational rooms, nurse bases, shower rooms, furnishings, televisions, lighting, windows, a raft of infrastructural changes and new flooring.
David Forbes (78) was the second patient to be moved into the newly refurbished ward 7.
His daughter Sarah Cotke said: “The layout of the ward is so spacious and has been thoroughly thought through.
“Every detail down to the lighting looks great, fresh and new. It’s a fantastic improvement ensuring the best experience and environment for patients’ and supporting their rehabilitation.”
Mr Pattinson added that the work will “help ensure that Ward 7 remains at the heart of medical and elderly care in Moray for many years to come”.
He said: “It really is a space that staff can now be proud of and somewhere fitting that will allow them to continue to deliver first class care the team are known for.”
Senior charge nurse, Helen Balmer said the completion of the project had been a real boost to staff morale.
“It will be great for patients and help us improve the care experience. We’re all really impressed with the works and the ward looks so modern and fresh.”
NHS Grampian Endowment Fund put £455,000 towards the works.
Endowments lead, Lisa Duthie said: “As the official health charity of NHS Grampian, we’re delighted to have funded this project
“Our contribution also included the upgrade of decor throughout Ward 7 providing a dementia friendly environment and specialist equipment. As part of the refurbishment project, a key element was to create an activities room to enable patients to eat meals, socialise and relax when away from their bedside.
“I’d to like to express our heartfelt thanks to the local community for their generous donations towards the project. One of our core aims is to transform clinical spaces into welcoming and relaxing environments to help improve the patients’ hospital experience and to also benefit NHS Staff’s wellbeing.”
Mr Pattinson, speaking on behalf of the hospital leadership team, praised all those involved in completing the project.
"From contractors to hospital staff, this wouldn’t have been the success it has been without their continued hard work and dedication.”
Contractors CHAP Group, G&A Barnie Group Ltd, and Bell Group completed the work.
CHAP contract manager Ian Moffat said: “The refurbishment of the ward has made great progress; however, the project did have some challenges which we’ve had to overcome. The increased scope of works coupled with longer waiting times for materials, due to delays in market forces and the Covid-19 interruption to manufacturing industry, meant it wasn’t always straightforward.
“The team’s worked hard to make sure we built something that really met the needs of staff and patients. We’re thrilled to say the ward is finally ready and people in Moray will now begin to see the benefits.”
