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NHS sites in Highlands to benefit as construction in Inverness ramps up on digital connectivity


By Andrew Dixon

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Work is back under way in Inverness.
Work is back under way in Inverness.

Work has restarted on building critical digital infrastructure in Inverness, including NHS sites such as Raigmore Hospital being treated as a priority due to the coronavirus.

Construction activity initially began in autumn last year but was put on hold at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has now restarted with the approval of Highland Council and other key partners.

Contractor GCU UK, which is leading the build on behalf of CityFibre, will work with additional measures in place and follow social distancing to ensure the safety of workers and the wider community.

The overall project, part of Capita’s Scotland-wide Swan programme, will see gigabit-capable connectivity installed at schools, colleges, libraries, offices, hospitals and health centres across Inverness, Fort William, Thurso and Wick. NHS sites are being prioritised in the short term.

It represents a collaboration between several organisations including the council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the University of Highlands and Islands, NHS Highland, Scottish Natural Heritage, and the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport.

Allan McEwan, CityFibre’s city manager for Inverness, said: “This project is all about future-proofing and transforming public services across the Highlands. The last few weeks have underlined the vital role these services play in all our lives and it is so important that they have the digital infrastructure they need to deliver the best possible levels of service to everyone in the community.

“The infrastructure we are building has been classed as critical and that has allowed our construction teams to restart activity following a brief hiatus. Of course, all construction crews will be following social-distancing protocols that are designed to protect them and people in the community. Appropriate PPE will also be used to help them carry out these essential works.”

Full fibre internet is revered as the best in connectivity for its speed, near unlimited bandwidth and reliability.

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