As Principal Supply Chain Partner, GRAHAM will be responsible for working with NHS Fife to establish a team to deliver the whole project from design through construction.

NHS Fife’s orthopaedics service has been commended for its excellence in care by the British Orthopaedic Society and is currently the only in-patient department left in the Victoria Hospital’s Phase 2, tower block.

Carol Potter, NHS Fife director of finance, said: “This will be the largest capital project that NHS Fife has undertaken since Phase 3 of the Victoria Hospital in 2012.

“The Scottish Government has approved the initial agreement submitted by NHS Fife earlier this year. The appointment of GRAHAM as our Principal Supply Chain Partner will allow us to develop our design proposals through to a fully costed appraisal, with the supporting business case due for consideration by Scottish Government later this year.

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with GRAHAM Construction to deliver this transformational project.”

Chris MacLeod, framework director for GRAHAM, said: “We are privileged to be working with NHS Fife and its stakeholders in the development of the new state-of-the-art elective orthopaedic centre and in equipping it to offer the highest quality of care to the region and beyond for years to come. We look forward to the successful completion of this important project for one of Scotland’s most progressive NHS Boards.

“GRAHAM has significant experience in delivering modern healthcare facilities and is already working on a number of other projects at hospitals across Scotland and the UK.

“We have a policy of being a responsible neighbour to the communities in which we operate, and we will be seeking to build relationships with the local construction industry and its supply chain.”

NHS Fife chair, Tricia Marwick, added: “The number of patients requiring orthopaedic intervention, such as hip or knee replacement, continues to rise and is one of the most common surgical procedures undertaken in the NHS.

“Fife is fortunate to have one of the best renowned and most forward-thinking orthopaedic teams anywhere in the country and I am delighted that we are able to announce our partnership with GRAHAM to work with us through the development of this exciting project.

“This marks a further step toward a new-build elective orthopaedic centre at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.

“This new specialist centre will secure NHS Fife’s position as the heart of orthopaedic excellence in Scotland.”

Alan Wilson, capital project director, NHS Fife, said: “NHS Fife is committed to the highest standards of sustainable design utilising low energy technologies throughout this construction process.

“A number of local businesses will have the opportunity to be directly involved in the construction or will enjoy the associated benefits of the development activity.

“The 18 months construction development will see the creation of a state of the art facility that will host 3 operating theatres, 34 bed supporting ward, associated outpatient facilities and will be completed in March 2022.”