All new NHS building projects in Scotland put on hold

Perth Royal Infirmary’s national treatment centre is among those affected

All new NHS building projects in Scotland have been put on hold.

At least a dozen schemes across the country have been delayed or paused for up to two years due to budget constraints.

Health boards have been told by the Scottish Government that there is no money available for the construction projects.

These include plans to build new hospitals, surgeries and a network of treatment centres.

The Government said a new NHS infrastructure plan would come out in the spring. At the moment maintenance problems will be a priority.

The Scottish Budget in December had to adapt to an estimated £1.5bn funding black hole.

The network of 10 treatment centres across Scotland in the biggest project facing delays.

It is supposed to carry out at least 40,000 additional surgeries, diagnostics and procedures per year until 2026.

New Health Secretary Neil Gray said the centres were part of his “overriding mission” to increase capacity in the NHS.

The NHS projects which have been paused or are facing delays include a new cancer centre and eye hospital in Edinburgh, and a national treatment centre in Livingston.

National treatment centres at Carrick Glen Hospital in Ayr, Perth Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen and Cumbernauld are also affected.

A replacement hospital in Fort William, revamps of Caithness General Hospital and the maternity ward at Inverness’s Raigmore Hospital are also either paused or delayed.

The relocation of two GP practices to Cowal Community Hospital in Dunoon, the replacement of Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, an MRI scanner and the refurbishment of the mental health ward at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin are all impacted.

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