Letter from Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care regarding the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, 23 June 2021
I am writing to provide the Committee with an update on plans to improve the delivery of ophthalmology services by NHS Lothian.
The Scottish Government is committed to replacing the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion to ensure that future services are of a high quality and sustainable.
NHS Lothian submitted its review to the Scottish Government on 21 May 2021 and we have since accepted the review. The Scottish Government wrote to NHS Lothian on 9 June 2021 to invite it to submit an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the development of eye care services. This will be considered by Scottish Government’s NHS Capital Investment Group who will undertake a detailed review of the evidence provided.
Once an OBC is approved the next stage is submission of the Full Business Case (FBC) and construction normally begins shortly after approval of a FBC.
It is essential that the required due diligence is completed to ensure the best possible future services and facilities; and this will take time. We look forward to continuing to work with NHS Lothian to fully support them during this process.
I will keep Parliament informed of the progress on and the emerging timeframe for replacing the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.
Best wishes,