Lothian MSP Sarah Boyack has secured confirmation over the timetable for the new eye pavilion.
Deputy Chief Exec of NHS Lothian, Jim Crosbie revealed that the new eye pavilion would be delivered in 6 years during a roundtable hosted by Ms Boyack.
Ms Boyack secured the meeting following her open letter to Scottish Health Secretary, Neil Gray on the lack of clarity over the new hospital’s progress.
The roundtable was attended by MSPs from across Edinburgh and the Lothians as well as stakeholders from sight loss organisations and patient groups.
NHS Lothian promised to continue to keep MSPs and stakeholders updated about progress and the health board also committed to proper consultation with the sight loss community.
The current Eye Pavilion has been shut since last year since asbestos was discovered in the building. This has caused major disruption for those in the sight loss community who rely on the hospital.
An organisation of patients supporting a new hospital, KEEP, were present at the roundtable and highlighted some of the difficulties for patients trying to access basic facilities since the closure of the current pavilion.
Speaking after the meeting, Ms Boyack said: “I am glad to finally have some clarity of when Edinburgh will finally see a new eye hospital.
“However, I can’t shake the feeling that this facility is way overdue.
“The current facility has not been fit for purpose since 2014, on the current timetable patients will be waiting another 6 before getting the standard of services they deserve.
“I will continue to hold the Scottish Government’s feet to the fire over this until the Eye Pavilion has been delivered.”
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