BUILDING work on the £7.3 million replacement for Ravenscraig Hospital has taken a significant step forward.

A ‘topping out’ ceremony was held yesterday to mark completion of the structural frame of Orchard View – Inverclyde’s new adult and older people’s continuing care hospital.

The 42-bed facility will care for adults and older people with mental health conditions, with a particular focus on delivering a dementia-friendly environment. 

Maureen Watt, who is the Scottish Government’s minister for mental health, performed the ‘topping out’ ceremony at the new hospital, which is expected to open this summer.

She said: “This new facility will make a real difference to adults and older people in Inverclyde, especially those with dementia who require continuing care.

“Mental health and dementia are top priorities for this government and we will soon publish both our new mental health strategy and our third national dementia strategy.

“I’m sure the new Orchard View will help deliver care in line with their aims.”

The facility, which will be located on the former nurses’ accommodation block at Inverclyde Royal, will provide 42 beds in total, with 30 dedicated to continuing care for older people.

This includes 24 beds for people with dementia as well as six for patients with a range of health conditions.

In addition, there will also be 12 beds for adults with mental health conditions.

Other key features include a ‘social enterprise space’ with a cafe and hairdressing salon as well as treatment rooms.

Robert Calderwood, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board, said: “I am delighted to see the progress made on construction of the new facility, Orchard View, by our development partner ‘hub West Scotland’ and their main contractor Morgan Sindall.

“This contemporary healthcare facility will provide high quality accommodation for adults and older people within Inverclyde who require continuing mental health care.”
Iain Marley, chief executive of ‘hub West Scotland’, added:

“We are privileged to deliver this very special and important development and very proud to continue our partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

“My thanks go to the combined project team who have worked collaboratively to create a well-designed and high quality facility.”