Work has started to create a new health centre in Harris.
The former doctor’s house in Tarbert will be converted into two dental surgeries, one of which will be used as a training facility.
Currently dental services on Harris are provided, temporarily, at Scalpay clinic, with a number patients also registered at Western Isles Dental Clinic.
There will also be an additional multi-purpose clinical area for visiting services, including physiotherapy and podiatry.
Additional office space is also planned for the community nursing team and the local GP practice, which adjoins the building will also be renovated.
The doctor’s house has been empty for a number of years and significant renovation is required to meet modern clinical standards.
Members of NHS Western Isles agreed that refurbishing the premises was preferable to creating a new building in Tarbert because it offered the option of basing other services close to people’s homes.
The GP Practice will remain open for the current time, and temporary pedestrian access to the building will be established.
The practice will temporarily relocate for a three-month period later this year, to enable additional work to take place.
The garden area to the front of the building will be developed to provide 14 parking spaces, including two disabled bays.
NHS Western Isles chief executive Gordon Jamieson said: “I am delighted that work is now underway to create our vision of a ‘Harris Health Hub’ for the local community. This was an important part of our Clinical Strategy ‘Se Ur Beatha work.
“The new facility will be a multi-purpose development, with clinics being held there as and when required; bringing the services that people need out into the community and closer to home. I look forward to the successful completion of this work and the opening of the new facility as soon as possible.”