Developer Is Chosen For Geriatric Unit

The opening of a state-of-the-art geriatric hospital in Glasgow has moved a step closer. A developer has been appointed to transform Blawarthill hospital in Scotstounhill into a facility offering specialist care for the elderly.

The hospital will offer 60 nursing home beds for frail elderly NHS patients and the same number of social care beds. A total of 24 sheltered housing units for Yoker Housing Association as well as mainstream housing will also be available.

The hospital’s existing 60 beds will remain in use until the new facilities open in 2009. The re-development work is being carried out by Leith based firm James Walker, which has a track record in the re-development of hospital sites.

The company is working in partnership with Southern Cross Healthcare – the UK’s largest provider of specialist services for people with physical and learning disabilities.

Anne Harkness, director of rehabilitation for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “Given the complex nature of the project, we needed time to evaluate the various bids. Not only were we looking for the developer that offered the best value for money but also one that best met the needs of all the agencies involved in the project.”