Lothian MSP secures timetable confirmation for new Eye Pavilion

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.”

Edinburgh MSPs unite to demand funding for new Edinburgh Eye Pavilion Hospital

A cross-party group of Edinburgh MSPs have come together to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Michael Matheson, highlighting the urgent need to fund a new Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh.

MSPs representing Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alba, and the Scottish National Party have all co-signed the letter, in the run up to the capital spending allocation.

This letter reflects the strength of feeling of residents, right across Edinburgh towards the need for a new Eye Hospital in the city.

MSPs request Michael Matheson set out a clear timetable for the construction of a new Edinburgh Eye Hospital, after the current Eye Pavilion was declared not fit for purpose in 2014.

The MSPs have also called on Michael Matheson to consult with patients, visual impairment charities and elected representatives to achieve the best outcomes possible for Edinburgh and Lothian Residents.

The joint-letter follows a meeting of Edinburgh MSPs, Sight Scotland, Visibility Scotland and RNIB, at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 30th November, to discuss the situation in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

During the meeting, MSPs heard moving testimonies from patients and staff about the dire state of current facilities and why a new hospital is so vital going forward.

All parties involved emphasised that continuing to rely on the current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is not sustainable and will lead to deteriorating outcomes for patients and staff.

The MSPs who signed the joint letter are Sarah Boyack, Daniel Johnson, Foysol Choudhury, Miles Briggs, Jeremy Balfour, Ben Macpherson, Sue Webber, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Ash Regan.

The MSPs in attendance at the breakfast briefing were Sarah Boyack, Daniel Johnson, Miles Briggs, Ben Macpherson, Sue WebberAlison Johnstone and Jeremy Balfour sent staff members, as they had previous engagements.

Commenting on the letter, Sarah Boyack said: “I am glad that MSPs across Edinburgh were able to come together to campaign for such a vital project.

“None of our constituents deserve to be relying on facilities that have been designated not fit for purpose, for over a decade.

“Michael Matheson needs to take note of the strength of feeling for this project – delivering the new Eye Pavilion is a priority for Edinburgh Residents 

“As Edinburgh MSPs, we will continue to work together to ensure the best outcome for our constituents, and the city.”