The £8 million investment will also boost the local economy with 40 new non-clinical and clinical jobs across the hospital. The investment programme is part of a wider multi-million programme by Circle Health Group.

The approved plans will see the creation of the latest specification laminar flow theatre, 3 more patient en-suite bedrooms and additional 7 patient day case rooms to the rear of the hospital.

Patients will also benefit from an improved pedestrian entrance from the front parking area to the Main Hospital Entrance.

Previous significant investment was in 2011 with the expansion of the Radiology Department to include a MRI scanner. A further upgrade of this department included a Minor Procedure Unit which was completed and commissioned earlier this year.

“The new planned building works that is to be carried out is an extension to our hospital, so the majority of the work will be done outside of the existing hospital ward and theatre department. We do not anticipate significant disruption to our services however we will require to relocate to different areas of the hospital to allow for the building works to take place,” says Euan McIntyre, operations manager.

Bets Welman, executive director, added: “I’m delighted that the plans have now been approved. This is a significant and exciting project as this expansion and refurbishments are essential to allow us to meet the private healthcare needs of patients and families in the North of Scotland and will significantly decrease waiting times which will positively impact the patient’s experience.”

Karen Benton, director of clinical services, said: “It’s not just about creating more space but also prioritising the workflow and streamlining patient flow through the hospital. By creating an additional theatre and expanding the ward facilities we will be able to provide our consultants with vital additional theatre time. A proportion of the ward facilities will be designed specific for day case admissions which will offer patients a comfortable and modern facility but with the convenience of a reduced hospital stay, which is particularly important to our patients who want to reduce their time off work.”

The project is expected to start in October 2022 and be completed towards the beginning of 2024.