Construction works have commenced on the new Royal Edinburgh Campus.

On a visit to the site on Wednesday (21 January), Health Secretary Shona Robison cut the first ground, signifying the start of works on the first phase of the project.

The project will see the site transformed over the coming years with modern and fit-for-purpose facilities. The first phase of the redevelopment will include the creation of accommodation for the adult acute mental health inpatient service, older people's mental health assessment, Intensive Psychiatric Care Service (IPCU) and the new Robert Fergusson national brain injury unit.

The redevelopment is being carried out in partnership with Hub South East Scotland Ltd, while Morrison Construction has been appointed the preferred contractor for the phase one works.

Welcoming the start of the build, Ms Robison said: "This is an important step forward for the Royal Edinburgh Hospital project, and with work now underway we are a step closer to seeing this vital new facility become a reality.

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"This multi-million pound redevelopment will bring new, fit-for-purpose specialist mental health facilities for people living in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The site will also house the new national brain injury unit, and I'm delighted to be here to mark the beginning of phase one of the project."

Brian Houston, Chair of NHS Lothian, added: "This is an extremely exciting time in the proud 200 year history of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

"The redevelopment will build on that history and, having been shaped with the help of our patients, it will allow our staff to continue to provide safe, effective healthcare and rehabilitation.

"Throughout the extensive planning process we listened to what mattered most to people and with the invaluable input of patients and their families, third sector organisations and staff we will have a facility we can be proud of."

Paul McGirk, Chief Executive of Hub South East Scotland Ltd, commented: "We've been involved in this project from the beginning, helping shape plans for the redevelopment and enabling works to start on site. It's exciting to now be recognising the start of construction and knowing that these plans will soon become reality."

Eddie Robertson, Regional Director, Morrison Construction Scotland – Central, said: "These modern facilities will be constructed using the latest innovations in design and technology and will be well-equipped to provide secure, safe, high quality services to patients. This unit isn't just another building, it is a high level care facility that will meet the already excellent level of service in place for patients."

The construction will be carried out in phased stages. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed in Autumn 2016.

(JP/IT)