To Leith from Leith Walk: Malcolm opens new surgery

Former health minister Malcolm Chisholm was on hand to help open the new £1.17m Leith Surgery on Thursday. Malcolm was an obvious choice – as well as representing North and Leith at both Holyrood and Westminster, Malcolm has also been registered at the Leith Walk surgery for forty years!

Up to 2,000 more patients will be added to the surgery list as a result of the move which will provide a modern and fit-for-purpose facility.

The current surgery, which is based across two different sites, will bring their new chapter together in an historic A-listed Edinburgh property that was once part of Leith Central Station when the new surgery, located at the foot of Leith Walk, at the junction with Duke Street, opens to patients on 17 July.

“Relocating Leith Surgery is another great example of partnership working and I’d like to thank the partners and all the staff at Leith Surgery who have supported this project.”

“Our new surgery will be located on Duke Street; therefore we have changed the name of the surgery from ‘Leith Walk Surgery’ to ‘Leith Surgery’. It’s a different name and building but the same staff and services. On behalf of all the partners, I would like to thank NHS Lothian for funding this project and Westerwood for undertaking the refurbishment and assisting with the planning of the project.”

Westerwood Development Group handed over the new facilities on 5th July.  They are represented on the project by commercial property advisers GVA.

Peter Fraser of GVA said: “Leith Surgery is moving into a unique building with a fascinating history in the heart of Leith; an area home to a growing number of prominent businesses which is well-served by local amenities and links to the nearby city centre. “We are delighted to have played our part in this letting.”

David Hodgkinson, Managing Partner at HK Surveying and Design said: “We have been very proud to be working closely with Leith Surgery, NHS Lothian and Patients to provide what is an important facility to the local community and also breathe new life into an iconic building in Leith’s history which has lain idle for a number of years.

“Both the Surgery and NHS Lothian should be praised in allowing us to implement a modern and unique concept for healthcare design which we hope provides an inviting, contemporary space; both sensitive to patients needs and offering a vibrant working environment for the staff.”

Patients will start using the new facilities from Monday 17th July.