First part of £48m Royal Edinburgh Hospital redevelopment aims to improve mental health care

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has officially opened the first part of a £48 million hospital redevelopment aimed at improving mental health care.

Ms Sturgeon and Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt saw new accommodation that has been provided at the revamped Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

The First Minister said (pictured): “This government is committed to treating mental health with the same passion and drive as we do physical health problems, ensuring everyone is able to access the best possible care and support.

“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.”

The work already completed will benefit the adult acute mental health inpatient service, older people’s mental health assessment and the intensive psychiatric care service, as well as the new Robert Fergusson national brain injury unit which is based there.

Professor Alex McMahon, of 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.

“Throughout the building and commissioning process we have involved, listened to and taken on board the views of patients, staff, families and the public.

“We are now witnessing that these new facilities are providing an improved therapeutic environment for our dedicated staff to deliver high quality care.”

Work on the second phase of the redevelopment project is expected to get under way next year.

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