First Minister opens Royal Ed building

Phase one of the redevelopment includes new accommodation for the adult acute mental health inpatient service, older people’s mental health assessment, intensive psychiatric care service and the new Robert Fergusson national brain injury unit.

The First Minister was joined by the Minister for Mental Health Maureen Watt and met staff and patients who have been involved in the planning and design of the new facilities.

The First Minister said: “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.”

Professor Alex McMahon, Executive Director, Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals Executive Lead, REAS, 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.”

The redevelopment of the Royal Edinburgh campus is planned to be undertaken in phased stages, with phase two of three planned to begin in 2018. In November 2014, the Scottish Government committed a further £120 million for future phases of the campus redevelopment.