Contractors working on a £38million refurbishment at the north-east’s flagship hospital have celebrated a “major milestone” in the project.
Robertson Construction, who have been undertaking much of the work at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, said a revamp of the “pink zone building” had reached the half way stage.
The work is being carried out in four sections, two of which are now complete. The second stage included the reinstatement of an operating theatre suite on the ground floor.
Construction is already complete on the refurbishment of Clinics F & G in the Purple Zone along with the creation of new theatres at the ARI and Woodend Hospital to try and reduce waiting times.
Most recently, work on a new sterile suite has commenced and maintenance jobs such as removing asbestos has been carried out.
Keith Taylor, regional managing director of Robertson Eastern said: “We’re very pleased to have reached this milestone with NHS Grampian in what is a very important project.
“The maintenance work to remove asbestos and enhance fire protection to the walls and floors of the building meant it was the ideal time to make other improvements to modernise the hospital at the same time.
“We have now begun work on the next section of improvements. Ultimately, this work should leave the hospital well equipped to offer excellent levels of care to patients across the region.”
Louise McKessock, clinical support manager, added: “The Robertson team have been helpful partners as we work to ensure Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is truly fit to provide 21st century healthcare.
“Completing all elements of the project, while keeping the hospital operational, is challenging, but Robertson have worked hard to minimise the disruption.
“Patients and staff alike have certainly noticed the difference they have made in the areas already completed.”
The third section of work will focus on improvements in levels six and seven, including the development of a new integrated high dependency unit, which is due for completion by February 2017.
North-east MSP, Lewis Macdonald, said: “Works to catch up on the backlog of maintenance at ARI are very welcome.
“Successive governments have endorsed important capital projects, like the Children’s Hospital and the Emergency Care Centre, but maintaining existing older parts of the campus is very important too.”