Raigmore theatres to be upgraded by NHS Highland
NHS Highland's board has approved plans to upgrade Raigmore Hospital's operating theatres and combine critical care services.
The plans, which will cost £20m, will be submitted to the Scottish government for consideration.
If approved the work to revamp the facilities could start in 2015.
Last week the health board sought to reassure the public that its operating theatres are safe and working as they should be.
Board chairman Garry Coutts said he was responding to a report carried in the Press and Journal.
In a statement, he said it gave an "unfair impression" of the condition of the facilities.
The newspaper report came ahead of Thursday's meeting where the health board was asked to approve the start of a process to upgrade the theatres.
A report by NHS Highland officials to board members said the theatres have not been refurbished since opening 25 years ago.
Officials said changes in guidance and regulation meant they were "no longer consistent with best practice".
The report also said critical care facilities located at three different sites within the hospital required improvements to meet modern standards.