The wait is over for East Lothian Community Hospital as a new outpatient department opens its doors to patients.
The new facility will see an increase in gastroenterology, orthopaedics, urology, ear, nose and throat services as well as new services such as plastics and phototherapy.
David Small, chief officer at East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “This is an exciting time for the communities of East Lothian and it marks a significant development in delivering a joined-up health and social care service through the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
“Throughout the extensive planning process we listened to what mattered most to people and with the invaluable input from the community, patients and their families, third-sector organisations and staff we will have something we can be proud of.”
The new department is the first stage of a £70m programme of improvement works that will see a modern and purpose-built hospital developed on the existing Roodlands site in Haddington.
The full programme of work is anticipated to be complete by early 2020.
The work is being undertaken in partnership with Hub South East Scotland, with Morrison Construction appointed as the main contractor.
Jo Elliot, Hub South East’s chairman, said: “The East Lothian Community Hospital is our largest project to begin construction, and the biggest hub deal signed to date in Scotland.
“It’s encouraging to see it progressing on time and on budget and we look forward to successfully delivering future phases.”
Morrison Construction operations director, David Wilson, added: ‘‘‘Work on site continues to progress well, with the steel frame for the next phase currently being erected for the inpatient departments and the rest of the hospital accommodation.
“The demolition of the old outpatient department will begin soon after hospital staff have relocated."