One of Europe’s largest new hospitals has officially opened its doors.
The new South Glasgow University Hospital (SGUH), which is expected to revolutionise healthcare in the Greater Glasgow area, saw the first surgical and orthopaedic patients arrive for their outpatient appointments.
Patients and staff will move in a phased timetable to the new adult acute SGUH with the majority of adult services to be in place at the new hospital by the end of May. The new Royal Hospital for Sick Children will welcome staff and patients in June.
One of the very first patients to visit the completed hospital was Linda Gordon. Having recently suffered from a stroke, Linda has been attending orthopaedic treatment as an outpatient and was looking forward to seeing the inside of the new hospital.
“I think the hospital is amazing. It is so futuristic and the space and light is brilliant,” said Linda.
“This is how a hospital should look.”
Robert Calderwood, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Chief Executive, said, “The new SGUH and new RHSC have been a long time in the planning and construction, and I am delighted that they are now complete and the first outpatients are being seen today.
“The completion of this Scottish Government funded project has been a major accomplishment and is testament to every single individual who has worked on this project since the blueprints were first drawn up.
“It is now all about the patients and we hope they are as pleased with the new hospitals as we are. While the migration of all services will be phased over the next two months when both hospitals are fully operational they will revolutionise healthcare for patients.”
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Shona Robison, added, “This is a significant day for NHS Scotland, and in particular for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Building Scotland’s largest ever hospital has been a long and complex challenge, so bringing this project in on time and on budget is a real achievement in itself.
“Today, all that work finally comes to fruition as we welcome the first patients for their appointments. These are state-of-the-art facilities, at the forefront of the latest advances in healthcare, and will transform the care patients receive from their NHS.
“The Scottish Government has invested £842 million in this project, which will provide patients with access to services for all ages on a single site – bringing with it increased efficiency, shorter waiting times and better continuity of care. It is part of over £2 billion of Government investment in Scotland’s health infrastructure over the four years to 2016, demonstrating our commitment to providing modern, state-of-the-art NHS facilities for patients.”
The adult hospital features 1,109 patient rooms, all of which have an external window and are equipped to the highest standards with private shower and toilet facilities, free television, radio and Wi-Fi.
James McLellan, another of the hospital’s first patients, has been attending surgical outpatient appointment in the old Southern General.
“I wasn’t sure what the new hospital would be like but this is brilliant. It’s like a five star hotel. I am really impressed,” said James.
