The NHS Highland facility will have 24-bed inpatient rooms, operating theatres, clinics and outpatient departments offering healthcare for bone, muscle and eye conditions.

The health body said that work has started on Inverness Campus to clear plots at the north end of the site, ahead of the anticipated construction which expected to start in October 2020. The unanimous decision by Highland councillors at the August 18 south planning committee, paves the way for construction of the £41 million building to start.

A planning application was submitted last year by NHS Highland, representing a major milestone in the project. However, delays have resulted in the centre’s estimated operational date for late next year being pushed back 12 months. 

Ann Clark, vice chair for NHS Highland, said: “Working in partnership with the Scottish Government, University of the Highlands and Islands and Highlands and Islands Enterprise the 24 bedded Elective Care Centre will provide surgical care for people requiring hip and knee replacement, foot, ankle and hand surgery. An entire eye care centre will also be created providing a full range of outpatient and surgical care services.

“The elective care centre will go a long way to improve the quality of care and facilities we can offer for our orthopaedic and ophthalmology patients, offering a best in class service that will help us in meeting the predicted rising demand by providing extra capacity for the North of Scotland.

“This is an exciting project and the critical relationship between NHS Highland, HIE and UHI will continue to develop assisting us in strengthening the opportunities to support investment into the region, research and learning opportunities for staff as well as supporting recruitment opportunities across all sectors.”

Balfour Beatty will be in charge of construction.