A programme of improvement works on the J North medical receiving ward at the IRH has begun, with upgrades to sanitary systems, ensuites, and replacement of automatic fire detectors to take place.
This announcement comes only days after campaigners warned the Scottish Government and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) that the building will ‘close by default’ if funding is not delivered to make the building watertight.
Alongside the improvements to sanitary facilities, the ward’s nurses’ station and doctors’ room will also receive repairs.
The health board says that during the refurbishment period, disruption to services supplied by the J North ward will be ‘minimal’ as the section of the building is temporarily closed with arrangements made for patients to be accommodated in another area of the hospital.
The health board says the works will ‘enhance patient care and staff facilities’.
Iona Scott, interim director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Clyde sector, which includes the IRH said: “These improvement works at our J North ward are a welcome investment and will benefit both patients and staff.
“By upgrading the ward environment, we are making the space more efficient and comfortable for patients, while improving working conditions for our healthcare professionals.
“This reflects our ongoing commitment to Inverclyde Royal Hospital and the people we care for.”