Services have migrated smoothly from the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion (PAEP) and are up and running in their temporary new locations, to allow urgent repair works to take place.
By moving services to five locations across NHS Lothian’s estate it has been possible to ensure all services continue to run while specialist contractors remove asbestos and remove and replace two damaged waste pipes. The works began on schedule on 11 November following a two-week migration period when services and equipment were transferred to their temporary new homes.
NHS Lothian Deputy Chief Executive, Jim Crombie said “It has been our priority to minimise disruption for our patients by ensuring that all PAEP services could continue to run safely and efficiently while the building is vacated. I am delighted that has been achieved and would like to thank our patients for their understanding during this challenging period.
“A word of appreciation too for our staff who have worked so hard to make this all happen in a timeframe of just 5 weeks from the initial alert that the building would need to be vacated. The level of professionalism and co-operation across different specialties and sites has been simply outstanding.”
Specialist contractors have informed NHS Lothian that additional asbestos has been discovered which will require removal, however the six-month timeframe for project completion is unaffected.
An information hub has been set up on NHS Lothian’s website where the full list of new service locations can be found together with information on public transport routes and a route-finder tool to help with journey planning. Teams of volunteer Navigators are on hand to assist patients when they arrive for their appointments.
Jim Crombie added “Whilst we have received some very positive feedback from patients we are also acutely aware that for others the shift to a new location is problematic. We are doing all we can to support those patients and continue to explore ways in which we can improve their experience.”
