Health / Investigative work to get underway on Gilbert Bain Hospital
SOME services in Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick may be relocated or adjusted in the coming weeks to allow “planning and investigative work” on the building to take place.
NHS Shetland said it is still assessing the findings of several surveys as part of a detailed investigation into the condition of the ageing hospital.
The NHS said in November that some “immediate work” was needed on the hospital, but it added the building was not structurally unsafe.
In order to allow preliminary work to begin, the health board said there will be some temporary adjustments or relocations within some areas of the hospital between 20 January and 17 February.
“However, please be assured that all services will remain accessible, and patient care will continue with minimal interruption,” a spokesperson said.
“Letters have already been sent to any patients whose appointment is in a different building due to this work.
“Some patients will also be redirected to another location in the hospital at reception.
“As the work progresses at the Gilbert Bain Hospital, scaffolding will begin to be erected, and continue for the next four weeks.
“During this period, we ask for your patience with any additional noise and disruption to the Gilbert Bain Hospital and car park areas, which will affect staff and visitors.
“Please be aware that it may take more time to find a parking space, and that there will be an increased number of larger commercial vehicles manoeuvring on the estate.”
Additional temporary car parking has been made available for staff, to try to ensure patients and visitors can access parking as close to the hospital as possible.
The Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick has been operating in its current form since the 1960s.
The lengthy process of potentially replacing the hospital has begun but the project has been paused amid financial challenges within the Scottish Government.
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