An island hospital once described as “completely unacceptable” for modern standards by health board bosses, is to be replaced.
The crumbling St Brendan’s Hospital at Horve, by Castlebay on Barra, is to be knocked down and a new facility built on an adjacent site, hopefully in 2016.
A new 24/7 housing with care service for the elderly will also be constructed in the same place to replace the present Western Isles Council care home.
The joint project for the health and social care nucleus is costing around £10million. Some £8million would be paid by NHS Western Isles while more than £2million is coming from the council.
The Scottish Government is being asked to approve an outline business case to take plans 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 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 outline business case 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.”