FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with representatives from hub South East and Morrison Construction during a visit to the recently opened East Lothian Community Hospital Out-Patients Department.
She received a tour around cardiology, dental, ophthalmology and x-ray outpatient services. This is the first stage of a £70 million programme of works that will see a hospital developed on the existing Roodlands site in Haddington. The redevelopment of the site is being undertaken by NHS Lothian in partnership with hub South East Scotland, with Morrison Construction the main contractor.
Paul McGirk, hub South East’s chief executive said, “I was proud to be part of the team welcoming the First Minister. Hub South East helped drive plans for this redevelopment, so it’s fantastic to see patients and staff using the new facility and hearing first-hand the positive feedback they have. The East Lothian Community Hospital is our largest project to begin construction, and the biggest hub deal signed to date in Scotland. It’s encouraging to see it progressing on time and on budget, and we look forward to successfully delivering future phases in partnership with NHS Lothian.”
Philip Galbraith, Morrison Construction project director added, “‘It was wonderful to see the First Minister tour this fantastic new healthcare facility, now benefiting patients. It is an important milestone for the project and the community. ‘On site works are progressing well, with demolition of the former outpatient’s department underway and the steel frame being erected for the inpatient departments and hospital accommodation.
“Although the entire project is due to be completed in 2020 it is great to know construction so far has supported four trainees, 14 apprentices and created 20 new jobs.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said, “Construction of the new £70 million East Lothian Community Hospital will see a modern and purpose-built hospital developed, helping to improve the quality of care for people in East Lothian. We have invested over £2 billion in Scotland’s health infrastructure between 2013-14 and 2017-18. First class, 21st century facilities, such as these demonstrate the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to investing in public services.”
