The first phase of work on the £48 million Royal Edinburgh Hospital redevelopment is now complete.

The project included building new for the adult acute mental health inpatient service, older people's mental health assessment, intensive psychiatric care service and the new Robert Fergusson national brain injury unit.

Phase two of the scheme is planned to begin in 2018.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon officially opened the Royal Edinburgh Building today, 29 November.

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She was joined by the Minister for Mental Health Maureen Watt and met staff and patients who have been involved in the planning and design of the new facilities.

Speaking at the opening event, Ms Sturgeon said the government is committed to treating mental health.

"This redevelopment has replaced inpatient facilities with modern, fit-for-purpose buildings that will ensure patients at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put the patient first," she said.

Professor Alex McMahon, Executive Director, Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals Executive Lead, REAS, NHS Lothian, said: "The redevelopment of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital is a major commitment from NHS Lothian to improving mental health services and we have been welcoming patients and staff into our new adult and older people's mental health wards since the summer months."

(LM)