Scots with sight loss at ‘risk’ as eye hospital closes for six months with calls for alternative
An NHS board has been accused of putting Scots with sight loss at “risk” after announcing the closure of an eye hospital for six months for emergency repair works. The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh is scheduled to be shut from October 28 due to the removal of asbestos from the building and repairs to waste pipes. While patients have been informed that services will be relocated to other areas within the health board, charities have expressed concerns that vulnerable eye patients are being overlooked. This decision comes after the Chalmers Street building was deemed unsuitable in 2015, but plans for a replacement have been postponed due to financial constraints.
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have raised alarm over the closure, warning of longer waiting times and a decline in patient care, jeopardizing the eye health and mental well-being of thousands. Lorna Pratt, a frequent visitor to the eye hospital who is severely visually impaired, criticised the delay in securing funds for a new hospital, stating that vulnerable individuals will now have to travel to multiple locations for essential eye care. She highlighted the challenges faced by those with sight loss in navigating unfamiliar environments and stressed the unsuitability of the current hospital building.
Iain Young, an RAF veteran from East Lothian undergoing diagnosis for suspected Stargardt disease, condemned the decision to close the eye hospital without providing a suitable alternative. He emphasised the traumatic impact of losing sight and the additional strain placed on vulnerable individuals seeking treatment elsewhere. Campaigners, including Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, have met with NHS Lothian officials and raised concerns about the closure’s ramifications on patient care, service continuity, and treatment accessibility.
Scottish Labour’s Health Spokesperson Jackie Baillie called on the SNP government to address the concerns of affected patients by outlining a clear plan for their care during the hospital’s closure and a timeline for its reopening. The Scottish Government confirmed that the closure is essential for urgent maintenance work on waste pipes and assured that patient safety will not be compromised. Plans are in place to minimise disruption by utilising alternative sites for appointments. A capital review is underway to evaluate affordable and feasible options for ongoing infrastructure needs.
Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, acknowledged the complexity of relocating services during the hospital closure and assured patients of the continuity of safe and effective care. The specialised nature of ophthalmology care necessitates meticulous record-keeping to ensure seamless patient transitions between facilities. Efforts are underway to enhance logistical operations to accommodate the scale of the relocation. The closure of the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion underscores the challenges faced in maintaining healthcare services while addressing infrastructure deficiencies in the healthcare system.