Graham Construction has been appointed main contractor on the new Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU) in Stratheden Hospital, Fife.

The new energy-efficient IPCU developed within the NHS Fife improvement plan of “Getting Better in Fife” will provide care for highly-vulnerable patients at the hospital near Cupar.

The new facilities will include eight en-suite single bedrooms, space for therapeutic and rehabilitative activities, communal lounge and dining accommodation, visiting and staff areas, consulting and meeting rooms as well as secure external grounds.

The build will bring additional features to ensure security for patients and staff, using bio-dynamic lighting, nurse call systems, access control and CCTV.

Gary Holmes, regional director at Graham Construction, said: “Graham Construction is looking forward to working closely with NHS Scotland to deliver this important project.

“We have a lot of experience in delivering state of the art healthcare facilities across the UK and the new unit will be a fantastic addition to local health services in Fife.”

The replacement of the existing unit with purpose-built accommodation is a crucial part of the strategy to improve mental health services in Fife. The new unit will ensure that patients can be cared for in a tranquil, therapeutic setting designed to support recovery and result in earlier discharge.

Alan Wilson, estates manager for NHS Fife, added: “NHS Fife is looking forward to working with Graham Construction in the delivery of this facility and are confident that it will bring great benefits to both patients and staff.

“The design concept will promote a safe and therapeutic environment for the delivery of first class patient care.”

Graham Construction has already worked on a number of healthcare facilities including Gullane Day Centre and Medical Practice and Carluke Community Health Centre.

This project is being delivered under the HFS2 Framework which is delivering design, development and construction projects across Scotland for the NHS over the next six years.

Graham Construction is involved in a number of these projects and is due to commence work shortly on upgrading the theatre suites at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness (NHS Highland), as well as work at Monklands Hospital Theatre/ITU Upgrade in Lanarkshire, (NHS Lanarkshire).