25 March 2009

Rt. Hon Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister of Scotland, was guest of honour today at the topping out of the new 860 bed Forth Valley Acute Hospital near Falkirk.  The £300m flagship project, for which Laing O’Rourke is the principal contractor, is the largest construction project in Scotland and the North of England.

Approximately 1,000 workers are currently on site, which is approaching the half way point in the construction process.  It is expected to welcome its first patients in summer 2010, with final completion in late 2011. The topping out event today represents the completion of the structural concrete works.

Speaking at the event, Ian Mullen, Chairman NHS Forth Valley, said:”Today represents a key stage in the development, not just of a new hospital, but of a modern healthcare service for the people of Forth Valley.  It is a testimony to the skills and dedication of the NHS Forth Valley project team and our partners at Laing O’Rourke that we are on budget and on schedule to take our first patients next year.”

Tony Douglas, Laing O’Rourke’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are the UK’s largest privately owned construction solutions company, delivering some of the world’s most complex and iconic projects, but it is our strength in delivery that makes me proud.  This project symbolises the values that Laing O’Rourke holds proud – working in partnership with the client to deliver a 21st century healthcare facility to specification, with quality, on time, on budget, safely and sustainably.

“This is one of the best examples I have seen of that partnership strategy in action.  Laing O’Rourke has supported the local economy with over 60% (approx £40m) of sub contracts let to businesses with a 30 mile radius of the site.  In addition, 82% of site staff come from within the same area.  Our commitment extends to the availability of more than 40 apprenticeships, as well as our links with the schools and local community groups.  We haven’t just worked with the community, we’ve absolutely integrated across all levels to create a facility that’s right for everyone.”

Leading the project for Laing O’Rourke is Project Director, Lindsay McGibbon.  “The new hospital has been designed with the involvement of both potential users, and medical staff.  There are many details and features that have been included at their specific requests – perhaps small on their own but together they make Forth Valley Acute not just a state-of-the-art medical facility but also a pleasant place to visit or work in.”