Hospital finance options studied

Up to £101m could be spent upgrading the hospital

Financial assurances are to be sought before plans for a multi-million pound upgrade of Dumfries Infirmary proceed.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway was presented with a report on the need for a revamp of the facility which opened in 1975.

Two modernisation options were recommended - one at a cost of £74m and another at a total of £101m.

However, a spokesman for the NHS board said it would be seeking talks on funding support before it selected any preferred option for the site.

The report to the board stated that the design and layout of wards within the main building must be improved and updated to meet modern standards.

The need to adapt to local demographic changes was also highlighted.

The report stated that the number of older people in the region was rising - a trend which would place added demands on hospital services.

Noted paper

NHS Dumfries and Galloway said it needed more time to decide on the way forward.

"The board noted the paper in relation to the development of Dumfries Infirmary," a spokesman said.

"They accepted the clear need for redevelopment identified in the papers before them.

"They agreed that there should be further discussions with the Scottish Health Department capital investment group with regard to the capital investments required."

A further report will then be made to the health board.