18-month construction project for new Fife orthopaedic centre

More details about NHS Fife’s proposed £33m new elective orthopaedic centre have been revealed after the blueprints were lodged with Fife Council.

It is hoped work on the 18-month construction project at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy will get under way before the end of this year if permission is granted.

The centre will allow the existing department to move out of the old tower block at the site.

It will boast three operating theatres, 34 beds and an outpatient facility, connected by “bridges” to the original and newer buildings on the hospital campus.

However, as the proposed centre is to be built on land currently used as a car park to the north east of the site, a further application for replacement parking will also have to go through the planning process.

According to the plans, new staff parking will be provided as part of the Whytemans Brae Day Hospital site, and in small areas around the existing campus.

An existing staff car park to the north will be turned into parking for patients.

NHS Fife chairwoman Tricia Marwick said she was keen to see the development progress as soon as possible.

“Fife is fortunate to have one of the best renowned orthopaedic teams anywhere in the country,” she said. “This new centre will secure NHS Fife’s position as the heart of orthopaedic excellence in Scotland.”

Graham Construction has already been appointed as the main contractor after a business case was approved

Designs submitted along with the planning application envision a series of public spaces along the north edge of the building for visitors, carers, patients and staff, to sit and gather.