They’ve appointed a main contractor for the project.
The project will replace the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.(Image: NHS Lothian)
NHS Lothian has announced that they’re one step closer to opening their new multi-million pound eye hospital in their Edinburgh BioQuarter.
The pioneering project is set to replace the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion (PAEP), Edinburgh, with a bespoke new eye hospital on the Little France BioQuarter campus.
Now they have revealed that Kier will act as Principal Supply Chain Partner to build the state-of-the-art facility, which will serve adults and children across the region, as well as south-east Scotland.
Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: “We are pleased to appoint Kier as our Principal Supply Chain Partner and take the next step in the process towards opening a new eye hospital in Lothian.
“We are delighted that the hospital is becoming a reality and that makes this milestone even more exciting. I would like to thank our teams for their commitment and endurance throughout the planning of this project – I know this step will mean a great deal to them.
“Our teams in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion have a world-class reputation for their innovation, treatment, patient safety and care, but the building no longer supports them or the thousands of surgical, inpatients and outpatients who attend each year.
“This new state-of-the-art facility will allow our magnificent teams to continue providing the exceptional patient care and treatment they are renowned for.”
The new hospital will not only be a hub of excellence, it will also provide specialist services, such as surgical retinal services, paediatric surgery and neuro-ophthalmology for patients from NHS Lothian, Borders, Tayside and Fife.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The appointment of a Principal Supply Chain Partner for the new Eye Hospital marks an important milestone for eye care in Lothian and the south-east of Scotland.
“The dedicated teams currently working in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion have a world-class reputation for innovation, treatment and patient care. They deserve a modern, purpose-built facility that matches their expertise and supports the thousands of patients who rely on their services each year. This new hospital will do exactly that, providing a state-of-the-art environment where staff can continue to deliver the excellent care they are known for.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring everyone has access to the treatment they need.”
Kier, which has already worked on the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital, in Glasgow and Sunderland Eye Infirmary brings a wealth of innovation and experience to Lothian’s newest hospital.
Sean Fenner, Managing Director, Kier Construction North & Scotland, added: “We are proud to be the Principal Supply Chain Partner for NHS Lothian to deliver early construction works at the new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion – a new Centre of Excellence that will transform eye care for patients across the region.
“Our team brings unrivalled expertise, shaped by landmark projects such as the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital and Sunderland Eye Infirmary, and informed by best practice from leading ophthalmic centres in the UK and internationally.
“Working in partnership with NHS Lothian, we will create an environment that enhances patient experience, empowers staff and establishes a new standard of excellence in ophthalmic care across Scotland.”