First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid a visit to the newly opened Out-Patients Department at East Lothian Community Hospital.

The facility was built by Morrison Construction as part of a £70 million works programme to develop a modern and purpose-built hospital on the existing Roodlands site in Haddington.

During her visit, Mrs Sturgeon met with NHS Lothian staff and patients, as well as being given a guided tour around cardiology, dental, ophthalmology and x-ray outpatient services.

The redevelopment of the hospital site is being undertaken by NHS Lothian in partnership with Hub South East Scotland. The full programme is scheduled for completion in early 2020.

-- Advertisement --

The First Minister 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.

"Our investment in these new facilities will help us to achieve our ambition of transforming the way health and social care services are delivered, keeping NHS Scotland at the forefront of delivering world-class care."

Philip Galbraith, Morrison Construction Project Director, said: "It was wonderful to see the First Minister tour this fantastic new healthcare facility, now benefitting 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."

(LM)