Scottish sight loss charities are demanding urgent answers from NHS Lothian after it was revealed the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh would be closed for emergency repair works. The facility will close at the end of October with NHS Lothian saying it is necessary with extensive work required on the plumbing system, as well asbestos material removed. Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are questioning the six-month closure timeline and have warned it will result in longer waiting times and declining patient care, putting the eye health and mental wellbeing of thousands at risk.
Craig Spalding, the chief executive of Sight Scotland , spoke to NHS Lothian’s deputy chief executive Jim Crombie, representatives from Visibility Scotland, RNIB Scotland, Sight Scotland’s policy group and the KEEP campaign as well as MSPs Sue Webber, Miles Briggs and Sarah Boyack to discuss the implications. Several concerns were raised which included seeking clarity on how NHS Lothian will handle patient reallocations, where they would provide outpatient, inpatient, day care and emergency services, transport options to new locations and access to medication. Mr Spalding said: “We are extremely concerned that the health and wellbeing of eye patients in Edinburgh and the Lothians is being overlooked once again.
“The temporary closure of the eye hospital raises serious questions about patient care, continuity of services, and access to essential treatments. This building has b.
