Funding uncertainty sees NHS Grampian health projects paused

Plans for an MRI suite in Elgin are affected by the funding situation

NHS Grampian has announced that some of its health projects are being paused until it has certainty over funding.

Work on a national treatment centre - including an MRI suite for Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin - has been stopped.

Plans to refurbish the hospital's mental health ward have also been put on hold.

NHS Grampian informed staff of the decision on Tuesday, and said it was "hugely disappointing" news.

The health board said work on the treatment centre "will not progress further at this time and all project activity will stop".

• Delay to network of NHS Scotland treatment centres

• Elgin scanner could ease pressure on MRI services

It said that would be the position "until there is certainty on funding".

Plans to refurbish the mental health ward at Dr Gray's - which were planned to take place at the same time as the MRI construction - will now be "reviewed alongside wider NHS Grampian infrastructure investment plans".

A statement said: "Clearly, this news is hugely disappointing, not only for those who have worked on this project, but for the wider organisation and for everyone living and working in Grampian.

"We want to emphasise our ongoing commitment to these projects, and we hope both will proceed at some point in the future.

"It is worth noting any capital funds we receive will be directed towards maintenance of the existing estate and essential equipment replacement programmes."

The new Baird and Anchor Hospitals in Aberdeen are unaffected.